Portret van Carl Mühlenfeldt 1831 - 1844

This is an undated portrait of Carl Mühlenfeldt by Antonie Waldorp, made with etching and engraving. Waldorp, active in the first half of the 19th century, painted at a time when the middle class was gaining economic and political power. Portraiture became a way for individuals to assert their status and identity. The print depicts Mühlenfeldt, dressed in the style of the period, with a high collar and a cravat, and wearing a dark coat. His gaze is direct, meeting the viewer's, suggesting confidence and self-awareness. The tight composition focuses our attention on the sitter's face, inviting contemplation on the subject's character and social standing. While seemingly a straightforward depiction, the portrait also engages with questions of representation and visibility, particularly concerning who gets to be seen and remembered in history. The work is a poignant reminder of the individuals who shaped the cultural landscape of their time.