Portret van Friedrich von Schiller after 1805

This portrait of Friedrich von Schiller was rendered by Ferdinand Borofsky in an engraving of 240 by 163 millimetres. The composition centres on Schiller's profile, delicately etched with a controlled use of line and shadow. The artist masterfully employs hatching and cross-hatching to define form, creating a chiaroscuro effect that highlights Schiller’s features. The gaze is directed away, fostering a sense of introspection. The rendering of his clothing contrasts sharply with the softer treatment of his face and hair. This contrast not only provides a tactile dimension but also serves to separate Schiller, the individual, from the formal expectations of portraiture, suggesting an exploration of identity through form. The controlled lines and tonal gradations create a structured yet expressive image. Here, we witness how the formal elements contribute to a deeper understanding of the subject's persona, subtly challenging fixed representations of identity and engaging with new modes of expression.