Karl Joseph Brodtmann, Portrait of Feodor Iwanowitsch, a Kalmyk, 1836, Print

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Portrait of Feodor Iwanowitsch, a Kalmyk, by Karl Joseph Brodtmann, Zurich 1836 This lithograph, created by the Swiss artist Karl … Read more Portrait of Feodor Iwanowitsch, a Kalmyk, by Karl Joseph Brodtmann, Zurich 1836 This lithograph, created by the Swiss artist Karl Joseph Brodtmann in 1836, depicts Feodor Iwanowitsch (Fyodor Ivanovich), a Kalmyk man, who lived between 1763 and 1832. The Kalmyks are a Mongolic ethnic group originating from Central Asia, and this print is part of a larger ethnographic interest in the diversity of peoples within the Russian Empire during the 19th century. Iwanowitsch’s portrait showcases him in a formal pose, wearing traditional Kalmyk headgear combined with European-style clothing, symbolizing both his ethnic heritage and possible assimilation into Russian society. The portrait is carefully detailed, with special attention to facial features, evoking a sense of individuality and character. Maker & Publisher: The lithograph is part of "Volledige Natuurlijke Historie der Zoogdieren", a comprehensive natural history of mammals written by H.R. Schinz, a professor of natural history and physiology. This book was published in 1836 in 's-Gravenhage (The Hague) by S. de Visser en Zoon. The work includes 168 plates that are primarily drawn from nature, with most of them likely executed by Karl Joseph Brodtmann, who was a well-known lithographer of the time and frequently collaborated on such scientific and ethnographic projects. Karl Joseph Brodtmann (1787–1862) was a prominent Swiss lithographer known for his ethnographic and natural history illustrations. His works were widely appreciated for their precision, detail, and artistic style, contributing both to the fields of art and science. Brodtmann’s work spanned across zoology, botany, and ethnography, making him one of the key figures in 19th-century Swiss lithography. His lithographs often served as visual records of cultural and scientific research. Person Depicted: Feodor Iwanowitsch was a Kalmyk man whose life spanned a crucial period in the history of his people. The Kalmyks, primarily nomadic people, settled in the steppes of Russia in the 17th century. By Iwanowitsch’s time, they had become more integrated into Russian society, though they retained distinct cultural identities. The portrait is one of the few surviving visual representations of a member of this ethnic group from the period, making it significant in both historical and cultural contexts. Technique and Style: Brodtmann utilized the lithography technique, a method popular in the 19th century for producing fine prints. Lithography involves drawing on stone with oil-based media, allowing for detailed shading and precision in lines. Brodtmann’s style is characterized by realism and meticulous detail, evident in the textured rendering of clothing and facial features in this print. His approach balances scientific accuracy with artistic expression, making his ethnographic portraits valuable for both their aesthetic and documentary qualities. The realistic depiction of Feodor Iwanowitsch suggests that Brodtmann focused on individual traits and cultural markers, which was typical of the ethnographic style in the 19th century. This lithograph, while serving as an artistic piece, also functioned as a tool for educating the public about diverse ethnicities, in line with European scientific and imperial interests of the time. See less