Stephan Strauch

The Nuremberg painter and etcher, Stephan Strauch, was the son of the better-known painter, miniaturist and printmaker, Georg Strauch (1613–1675). Strauch junior is known only for a few etched portraits – he drowned at the age of thirty-two in the nearby River Pegnitz. This little, half-length self-portrait shows the artist wearing a doublet and sporting a neckerchief. He looks out at the viewer with an open gaze; his long, flowing hair and the little moustache are fully in line with the fashion of the time. The highly elaborate monogram testifies to his proud self-confidence. The portrait is extremely rare. A very fine, tonal impression with the full paper margins. Minor ageing, otherwise in excellent, unrestored condition.