Portrait of a Man in an Armchair, from Collection d'imitations de Dessins d'après les Principaux Maîtres Hollandais et Flamands

Portrait of a Man in an Armchair, from Collection d'imitations de Dessins d'après les Principaux Maîtres Hollandais et Flamands is a sophisticated 1826 print executed by Christian Josi (Dutch, died 1828) after a composition by Rembrandt van Rijn. This work is not merely a facsimile but a complex interpretive rendering, showcasing the highest level of contemporary reproductive printmaking. Josi employed a demanding array of techniques, including soft ground etching, aquatint, and the use of a roulette to achieve varying textures. Crucially, the final surface was inked à la poupée in both black and brown pigments on white wove paper, creating the rich, warm tonality and deep contrasts associated with 17th-century Dutch painting.

This piece belongs to a specific collection of imitations created by Josi, reflecting the persistent fascination with the Dutch Golden Age Masters in the Netherlands and wider Europe during the early 19th century. Josi specialized in translating the texture and luminosity of historical drawings and canvases into the medium of prints. The subject, a gentleman seated thoughtfully in an armchair, is rendered with dramatic chiaroscuro, directly referencing Rembrandt’s psychological depth and mastery of illumination. The creation of such detailed prints served both educational purposes and allowed broader access to revered art historical compositions that were otherwise inaccessible.

Josi’s skillful interpretation ensures the composition’s longevity, even if the exact original drawing or painting that served as the model remains obscure. As a significant example of early 19th-century reproductive printmaking, the work highlights the intersection of technical skill and art historical preservation. This striking example, Portrait of a Man in an Armchair, is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, and the image is often made available under public domain licenses, furthering the study of these important historical prints.