Tiberius Dominikus Wocher

Born in the Swabian village of Mimmenhausen, the painter and etcher Tiberius Wocher was one of those gifted Little Masters who specialized in portrait and genre painting during the second half of the 18th century, showing a predilection for picturesque, exotic themes. In 1767 the artist is mentioned as being court painter to the Prince Bishop of Constance, Cardinal Franz Konradt von Rodt, and is subsequently resident and active in Bern until about 1780.

His delicate printed work comprises a mere seven etchings and is of great rarity. Nagler notes: “The works of this master are strongly etched and fine impressions are infrequent. The figures are shown in Asian costume with turbans, roughly in the Rembrandt manner.” This portrayal of a picturesquely clad, bearded Oriental is treated in a deft and assured etching technique which has all the spontaneity of a pen-and-ink drawing. The unusual distribution of light and the very vivid chiaroscuro contrasts are very expressive and lend the portrayal an exotic fascination.

A superb impression with full margins. In perfect condition.