Philipp Hieronymus Brinckmann

The charm of this small, extremely rare self-portrait derives from its personal and informal character. The artist looks at the viewer with a sullen expression on his face. His head is propped up on his right hand and the grimace at the corner of his mouth indicates that he is in a gloomy mood. Philipp Hieronymus Brinckmann shows great originality in depicting the traditional theme of the melancholy felt by the artist, who often despairs in view of the ambitious targets he sets himself.

Brinckmann received his training from the portrait painter, Johann Georg Dathan, and was greatly influenced by the land­scape painter, Christian Hülfgott Brandt. He worked as court painter, privy counsellor and chief curator of the renowned art gallery at the court of the Electoral Palatinate in Mannheim. He was a respected artist during his lifetime, as is evidenced by Goethe’s commendation in Dichtung und Wahrheit. A very fine, tonal impression with the full margins. Minor ageing, other­wise in perfect condition. From the collection of Philipp Herrmann, Karlsruhe (Lugt 1352 a).