Georg Friedrich Schmidt

From 1744 Schmidt was again resident in Berlin, where he took up his position as court engraver under Frederick the Great. This half-length self-portrait of the forty-year-old artist, which dates to 1752, shows him in the process of drawing. Vividly observed, it documents his engagement with works by Rembrandt, especially his self-portraits, which he began in the 1730s. The original preparatory drawing for the present etching is in the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington (inv. no. 2007.111.159). A fine, crisp and delicate impression with thread margins. Minor ageing, otherwise in excellent condition.