Johann Gottlieb Glume

Mistakenly identified by Heller-Andresen as Carl Philipp Glume, the artist’s younger brother, the portrait actually shows Johann Georg Glume (1679–1765), his father and head of this artistically highly gifted family. Johann Georg was a respected sculptor in Berlin at the time of Friedrich II, his two sons Carl Philipp and Friedrich Christian later following in his footsteps. Initially a student and later an employee of the master builder and sculptor, Andreas Schlüter, Johann Gottlieb remained in Berlin even after Schlüter’s departure and the coronation of Friedrich Wilhelm I. In 1736 he was appointed court sculptor. Glume portrays his father in keeping with his profession holding a compass in his right hand, while his left hand rests on a woman’s head carved in stone. His earnest features convey a certain austerity, yet they also radiate an inner calm that the experienced artist must have acquired with advancing age. As so often, Johann Gottlieb chose a person from his immediate circle of family and friends for this portrait. His portraits convey a strong sense of authenticity, drawing the viewer into a peaceful, modest and organized world, far removed from the exuberance and splendor of courtly life. Glume's etchings, most of which were executed between 1747 and 1750, are treated in a free, loose etching manner, creating freshness and spontaneity in the images and emphasizing their informal character.

A very fine impression with consistently narrow margins. “Jo. G. Glume Sc. 1750” probably inscribed and dated by the artist himself in grey pencil in the white margin at the bottom right. Minor traces of handling, otherwise in excellent condition.