Portret van Adam Rudolph Kress von Kressenstein 1742 - 1765

Valentin Daniel Preissler created this portrait of Adam Rudolph Kress von Kressenstein using engraving techniques. The composition immediately draws the eye to the subject's elaborate attire, its texture meticulously rendered, contrasted against the smooth, neutral backdrop. Notice how Preissler balances intricate detail with expansive space. The linear precision in the subject’s clothing and the architectural details of the room suggest an era deeply invested in order and clarity. The overall structure of the engraving operates within a semiotic framework, with each element acting as a signifier of status and intellect. The fur coat, lace collar, and even the precise rendering of light and shadow, all contribute to a constructed image of power and refinement. Consider the function of such a formal portrait. More than a mere likeness, this engraving serves as a powerful statement about identity, class, and the values of 18th-century society. It invites ongoing interpretation of the cultural codes embedded within its structure.