Portret van Ulrich Ludwig Friedrich Wolf 1821 - 1835

Albrecht Wolf created this portrait of Ulrich Ludwig Friedrich Wolf using engraving techniques sometime between 1812 and 1835. The portrait, encased in an oval frame, draws us in with its intricate details and tonal gradations. Wolf's expert handling of line and shadow gives the image depth and a palpable sense of presence. Notice how the light catches on the subject's face and spectacles, drawing attention to his gaze. The careful use of hatching and cross-hatching to model forms and create textures is also very effective. The portrait engages with prevailing artistic conventions, notably the academic emphasis on anatomical precision and lifelike representation. Yet, it also hints at broader philosophical concerns of the period, such as the relationship between inner character and outward appearance. The portrait can be interpreted through a semiotic lens, examining how specific visual elements signify social status, intellectual prowess, and individual identity. The detailed execution of Albrecht Wolf's engraving serves not only aesthetic functions but engages with enduring themes of self-perception and representation.