Antique Master Print-PASTORAL-RIVER-LANDSCAPE-Hagedorn-1765

Medium: Etching on hand laid (verge) paper.

Sheet size: 11.7 x 8.5 cm (4.61 x 3.35 inch). Image size: 11.7 x 8.5 cm. (4.61 x 3.35 inch).

Condition: very good, given age. Light foxing, soiling and creasing. Remains of tape from attachment. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.

HAGEDORN, GERMAN ETCHING, 18TH CENTURY, NEUE VERSUCHE, RIVER LANDSCAPE, DRESDEN, SHEPHERD, RUSTIC SCENE | PCO-C49-17

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Plate 4 from Neue Versuche, an etching series by Christian Ludwig von Hagedorn. .

Reference: British Museum 1872,1012.3792.

Biography engraver: Christian Ludwig von Hagedorn (1717-1780) was a German art critic, amateur engraver, diplomat, and collector. Born in Hamburg, he initially studied law but developed a deep passion for art, eventually building a significant private collection. After serving in diplomatic posts across German courts, he became one of the most influential theorists of art in his time. In 1764, he founded the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts and served as its first director. His writings, especially Observations on Painting (1762), emphasized emotion over strict formalism and were crucial in elevating Northern European art within art historical discourse. He was also an early admirer of Rembrandt and the Dutch school.