Christian Ludwig von Hagedorn

Christian Ludwig von Hagedorn (14 February 1712, Hamburg – 24 January 1780, Dresden) was a German art historian and collector, as well as an amateur engraver.

As he was posted to various German courts, he visited the local art collections and acquired a reputation as a connoisseur.

He wasn't able to generate interest in his collection, but received an offer from the bookseller, Christoph Friedrich Nicolai, to work on the recently created Library of the Fine Sciences and the Free Arts In 1762, he published Observations on Painting under his own name.

It was based on French and English theories, as well as his own research, and emphasized feeling over reason as a criterion for judging art.

A year later, he was commissioned to develop a concept for a Saxon academy and drawing school; seeking advice from Johann Georg Wille, a famous German engraver resident in Paris.