Christian Leberecht Vogel

Christian Leberecht Vogel, a painter, draughtsman and art theorist from Saxony, was known among his contemporaries primarily as a talented portrait painter and author of sensitive portraits of children. The present large sheet from about 1810 is his only known attempt at lithography, a planographic print­ing method that had been developed a few years previously. It is remarkable that Vogel was so adept in exploiting the advantages of the new medium and capable of producing a print of such charm, which is now extremely rare.

The almost life-size depiction is distinguished by its brisk, confident style. The finely gradated nuances of the chalk line are adequately transferred to the print medium; the skilful use of the white paper tone creates a warm chiaroscuro and infuses the touching portrait of the child with an extraordinary vitality and sensitivity. A superb, contrasting impression with the full margins. Minor ageing, otherwise in excellent condition.