Portret van Johann Heinrich Wlömer 1801

This is a portrait of Johann Heinrich Wlömer by Johann Daniel Laurenz, created in the late 18th or early 19th century. The portrait presents a study in contrasts, using a limited tonal range to define form and character. The subject is encased within an oval frame which creates a sense of formal containment, setting the stage for a character study. The artist contrasts the smooth expanse of the face and wig against the textured coat. The subject's gaze is directed towards the viewer, which initiates a kind of silent dialogue. The engraving uses hatching and stippling to build up the forms, giving a tactile presence to the sitter. The arrangement of the figure and the formal elements of line and texture speak to the intersection of individual identity and social role. The portrait provides a framework for thinking about representation, power, and the gaze.