Who painted Half-Length Figure Reading?

Half-Length Figure Reading was painted by Bartholomäus Ignaz Weiss in 1777.

Where can I see Half-Length Figure Reading?

Half-Length Figure Reading is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Half-Length Figure Reading?

Half-Length Figure Reading is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Half-Length Figure Reading?

Museum-quality prints of Half-Length Figure Reading are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Half-Length Figure Reading

Bartholomäus Ignaz Weiss , 1777

Half-Length Figure Reading is an ink print by the Baroque artist Bartholomäus Ignaz Weiss. It dates from 1777 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:upper left in plate: G / CASTILONE

About this work

Overview

Bartholomäus Ignaz Weiss produced an etching in 1777 titled Half-Length Figure Reading. Executed on laid paper, the print presents a solitary figure seen from the waist up, absorbed in a book. The composition is rendered in a restrained palette, punctuated only by a small red spot on the forehead, which draws attention to the subject’s introspective pose.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures a moment of private contemplation: the figure’s head is inclined slightly, eyes lowered toward the pages, suggesting absorption in reading. Disheveled curls and an open-collared shirt convey a relaxed, informal atmosphere, emphasizing the personal nature of the act rather than any overt narrative.

Technique & Style

Weiss employed traditional etching methods on laid paper, using fine lines to model the hair and clothing while maintaining a largely monochrome background. The subtle gradations of tone create depth, and the isolated red dot, applied as a separate inked element, serves as a focal accent within the otherwise subdued composition.

History & Provenance

Created in the late eighteenth century, the print reflects the lingering influence of Baroque aesthetics, particularly in its emphasis on chiaroscuro and intimate subject matter. While specific ownership records are scarce, the piece is documented as part of Weiss’s oeuvre, illustrating his engagement with genre scenes that prioritize everyday moments.