1762
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
Johann von Erlach is a 1762 ink by Johann Georg Wille, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This black-and-white engraving shows a serious older man in fancy clothes. He wears a big white wig, a decorated coat, and a medal on his chest. His right hand holds a long walking stick, and his left rests on a pile of armor pieces—helmets, a shield, and a sword—sitting on a draped table. The text below his name lists his titles, including "General Field Marshal." The armor hints he might have been a military leader, but the portrait focuses on his face and authority. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like Wille made detailed prints like this.
Johann Georg Wille, or Jean Georges Wille (5 November 1715, near Biebertal – 5 April 1808, Paris) was a German-born copper engraver, who spent most of his life in France. He also worked as an art dealer.
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