Portret van A. Straub - Wilhelm Suter

A 1827 lithograph by Wilhelm Suter depicting the portrait painter A. Straub, presented within a decorative oval frame.

This lithograph by the Swiss artist Wilhelm Suter depicts A. Straub, a portrait painter from Baden. Executed in 1827, the work reflects the stylistic conventions of the Biedermeier period, which favoured clarity, precision, and a focus on the individual within a domestic or professional context. The sitter is presented in a three-quarter view, wearing a soft cap and a simple, buttoned waistcoat, suggesting the attire of an artist or craftsman of the era. His gaze is directed towards the viewer, conveying a sense of quiet observation.

The portrait is framed within an oval border, which is itself set against a rectangular, decorative surround featuring scrolling foliate motifs. This ornamental frame provides a structured contrast to the naturalistic rendering of the figure. The composition is balanced, with the sitter positioned centrally, allowing the viewer to focus on the facial features and the subtle shading of the clothing. The use of lithography allows for fine, delicate lines and soft tonal transitions, which Suter employs to create a sense of volume and texture in the fabric and the sitter's hair.

Below the image, the Roman numeral V and the inscription 'A. Straub, Portraitmaler a. Baden/B.' identify the subject and his profession. This inclusion of biographical detail is characteristic of portrait series from the early nineteenth century, where such prints served as documentation of contemporary figures. The work is a clear example of the technical proficiency required in lithographic portraiture during this time, demonstrating a disciplined approach to form and light. The muted palette and the clean, graphic quality of the print make it a refined example of early nineteenth-century European portraiture, suitable for those interested in the history of graphic arts and the social documentation of the period.