Portret van Edmund zu Schwarzenberg 1853 - 1868

This is Carl Mayer's portrait of Edmund zu Schwarzenberg, a lithograph now held in the Rijksmuseum collection. Mayer created this portrait during a period of significant social and political upheaval in Europe. Portraits such as this offer a window into the values and power structures of 19th-century European society. Consider Schwarzenberg's military attire and stern expression, and the symbols of status and authority displayed. These elements reflect not only Schwarzenberg’s personal identity as a high-ranking military figure, but also the broader context of aristocratic privilege and power. The creation and reception of this portrait would have been heavily influenced by prevailing social norms and expectations around gender, class, and national identity. The portrait invites us to reflect on the ways in which individuals like Schwarzenberg were both products and perpetuators of their time. It serves as a reminder of the emotional and personal dimensions of historical figures.