The Rabbi
<p>Like his contemporaries, William Pether used mezzotint to disseminate important master paintings. In this case, he copied Rembrandt van Rijn’s distinctively posed, stoic rabbi. Mezzotint was an ideal medium with which to reproduce Rembrandt’s composition, with its dramatic, Baroque use of chiaroscuro. Not only does mezzotint retain these qualities, but its rich undertones also add to the spotlighted effects. With a touch of theatricality, the portrait focuses on his craggy features. The rabbi is statuesque, demanding reverence from those before him.</p>
Catalogue
- Year
- 1778
- Dimensions
- Image: 45.7 × 35.4 cm (18 × 13 15/16 in.); Plate: 50.8 × 35.5 cm (20 × 14 in.); Sheet: 55.3 × 39.5 cm (21 13/16 × 15 9/16 in.)
- Collection
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Artist
- William Pether
Artist
Drawing
William Pether
Full artist profile →More
More by William Pether
Democritus and Protagoras
1778 · Mezzotint in black on paper
The Alchymist, in Search of the Philosopher's Stone, Discovers Phosphorus, and Prays for the Successful Conclusion of his Operation, as was the Custom of the Ancient Chymical Astrologers
1775 · mezzotint
An Academy by Lamplight
1772 · Mezzotint; second state of two
The Farrier's Shop
1771 · Mezzotint; first state before title and address
Portrait of Susanna Lunden, sister of Helena Fourment
1769 · Mezzotint
Three Persons Viewing the Gladiator by Candlelight
1769 · Mezzotint in black on off-white laid paper
Record
Verified by WattsOS- Artist
- William Pether
- Year
- 1778
- Dimensions
- Image: 45.7 × 35.4 cm (18 × 13 15/16 in.); Plate: 50.8 × 35.5 cm (20 × 14 in.); Sheet: 55.3 × 39.5 cm (21 13/16 × 15 9/16 in.)
- Watts ID
- WW-1778-088770
Source
- Collection
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Source
- aic
- Reference
- View at source
- Status
- verified