Prince Klemens Wenzel Lothar von Metternich (1773–1859) 1822

Friedrich Johann Gottlieb Lieder painted this portrait of Prince Metternich in 1829. Encased within an oval frame, the miniature’s composition is dominated by the subject's poised gaze and the careful arrangement of his garments and decorations. Lieder masterfully uses the limited space to convey a sense of Metternich's power and status through meticulous detail. The crisp lines of his coat contrast with the soft rendering of his face, drawing the viewer's attention to his expression. Notice how the play of light across his features creates depth, accentuating the planes of his face. The miniature's scale invites a sense of intimacy, yet the formal pose and meticulous detail remind us of the distance between the viewer and the subject. In this way, the painting negotiates the complex dynamics of power and representation within the context of early 19th-century European society.