Portret van Christopher Haubold von Houwaldt - Samuel Blesendorf

A 1694 copperplate engraving by Samuel Blesendorf, featuring a formal portrait of the nobleman Christopher Haubold von Houwaldt in armour.

This engraving by Samuel Blesendorf depicts Christopher Haubold von Houwaldt, a nobleman of the late seventeenth century. Blesendorf, a Berlin-based engraver and goldsmith, produced this work in 1694. The portrait follows the conventions of aristocratic representation common to the period, presenting the subject within an oval frame set atop a stone plinth.

The subject is shown in three-quarter profile, wearing a full periwig and plate armour. The inclusion of armour serves as a visual indicator of his status and military or noble standing. The drapery over his shoulder adds a sense of movement to the otherwise static composition. Below the oval frame, a cartouche displays the family coat of arms, while the plinth contains a Latin inscription detailing the subject's name, titles, and dates of birth and death.

Blesendorf employs precise line work to differentiate the textures of the metal armour, the soft curls of the wig, and the smooth stone of the architectural elements. The engraving technique allows for subtle gradations of tone, creating a sense of volume within the oval frame. The composition is balanced and formal, reflecting the rigid social hierarchies of the era. This print provides a clear example of the portrait engraving style used to commemorate individuals of rank in the late Baroque period. The work is preserved in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, demonstrating the technical proficiency of Blesendorf in capturing the likeness and status of his contemporaries through the medium of copperplate engraving.