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Portrait of an African Man, after Rubens – Engraving by Joseph Lange, 1801
$406.47
£296.24
€340
CA$557.33
A$622.27
CHF 324.60
MX$7,651.79
NOK 4,096.80
SEK 3,856.99
DKK 2,587.13
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About the Item
Portrait of an African Man, after Rubens – Engraving by Joseph Lange, 1801
Description:
This captivating portrait engraving depicts an African man turned in profile to his left, with a broad and engaging smile, his head slightly tilted upward in an expressive, animated gesture. His features are rendered with great delicacy using the stipple engraving technique, creating a soft tonal effect with fine gradations of light and shadow. He is dressed in a buttoned waistcoat with an open white collar, typical of European interpretations of dress in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The plate is inscribed 'Ex Archetypo P.P. Rubens', attributing the original design to the renowned Flemish Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640). Below the portrait is the engraver’s signature: *Joseph Lange sc. 1801*, confirming it was engraved by Joseph Lange in the year 1801.
This print belongs to the long European tradition of ‘tronie’ or character studies, where artists captured heads with distinctive expressions, ethnic diversity, or dramatic lighting, used both for academic study and as independent artworks. Rubens, in particular, created several studies of African models during his prolific career in Antwerp, reflecting the cosmopolitan port city’s diverse population in the early 17th century. These studies were highly regarded for their realism and humanity, and they were reproduced in engravings throughout the 18th and 19th centuries for collectors who appreciated masterworks of drawing and painting in printed form.
The engraving is printed on laid paper with wide margins, and the impression remains strong and clear. Its stipple technique, involving thousands of tiny dots, achieves a painterly effect that beautifully translates Rubens’ original brushwork into print. Measuring approximately 33 x 24 cm sheet size, it is an elegant and historical piece suitable for framing and display in a collection of portrait prints, academic studies, or works relating to Rubens.
Condition report:
The print is in good condition for its age. There is overall light foxing, particularly in the margins, some toning around sheet edges, and minor handling marks consistent with age and archival storage. The engraved image itself remains fresh, with rich dark tones and crisp detail.
Framing suggestion:
This engraving would be well-suited to a simple black or dark wood frame with a warm ivory mount, enhancing the delicate tonal gradation of the print while giving it a classic presentation appropriate to its early 19th-century origin.
- Dimensions:Height: 12.49 in (31.7 cm)Width: 9.34 in (23.7 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1801
- Condition:The print is in good condition for its age. There is overall light foxing, particularly in the margins, some toning around sheet edges, and minor handling marks consistent with age and archival storage. The engraved image itself remains fresh.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-14073-61stDibs: LU3054345652232
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