Portret van Christoph Greiner - Christoph Wilhelm Bock

A formal eighteenth-century portrait engraving of Christoph Greiner, featuring a profile view within a circular frame and detailed biographical text.

This portrait of Christoph Greiner is a fine example of late eighteenth-century German printmaking. Executed by Christoph Wilhelm Bock, the work employs the precise techniques of etching and engraving to capture the likeness of the subject in profile. The composition is structured within a circular frame, a common convention for formal portraiture of the period, which directs the viewer's attention to the sitter's features and clerical attire.

Bock demonstrates a high degree of technical control, particularly in the rendering of the subject's powdered wig and the subtle textures of his clothing. The background within the medallion is filled with a dense, cross-hatched pattern that provides a neutral contrast to the subject. Below the portrait, a rectangular cartouche contains a detailed inscription in German, identifying Greiner by his titles and roles, including his position as a canon at Seggau and his ecclesiastical duties in Graz. The inclusion of a sword resting horizontally across the base of the frame adds a layer of heraldic or symbolic weight to the composition, suggesting the subject's status and authority within his community.

The print is characterised by its clean lines and balanced proportions. The artist's signature, 'Bock del. sc.', is visible in the lower margin, indicating that he was responsible for both the original drawing and the subsequent engraving process. This piece offers a clear view into the formal portrait traditions of the era, where the combination of text and image served to document the identity and social standing of the individual. The paper shows the natural ageing expected of a historical print, with the plate mark clearly visible around the central image, preserving the original presentation of the work.