Die Schultheissenbilder der Berner Stadtbibliothek, Nr. 8

Jakob Emanuel Handmann (1718-1781) was indeed a Swiss painter known for his contributions to the 18th century art scene. He was born in Basel, Switzerland and spent much of his life in his home town. Handmann specialised in portrait painting and was highly regarded for his ability to capture the likeness and character of his subjects. Throughout his career, Handmann gained recognition for his portraits of prominent individuals, including members of the Swiss aristocracy, scholars and other notable figures of his time. His works often depicted his subjects with a sense of dignity and realism, reflecting the artistic trends of the 18th century. Handmann's style was influenced by both the Baroque and Rococo movements, and he incorporated elements of these artistic styles into his portraits. He was known for his attention to detail, his use of rich colours and his skilful use of light and shadow. Although Handmann focused primarily on portraiture, he also produced some landscapes and religious paintings during his career.