A Portrait of Ferdinand Ludwig, Count von Oeynhausen-Schulenburg c. 1730

Giovanni Battista Piazzetta rendered this portrait in black and white chalk on brown paper, during the 18th century. The choice of materials, especially chalk, lends itself to the subtle gradations of light and shadow that define the Count's features and the metallic sheen of his armor. The armor itself is a potent symbol of nobility and martial prowess, yet rendered with chalk, a medium more associated with preparatory sketches than finished portraits. The image highlights the count's status, and the amount of work involved in the production of the armor itself, from mining to forging. Piazzetta's technique imbues the portrait with a sense of immediacy and intimacy, inviting us to consider the man behind the armor, as well as the labor that went into its making. By focusing on the materiality and the making of the portrait, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry involved. This approach challenges traditional hierarchies between fine art and craft, inviting us to consider the social and cultural significance embedded in both the subject and the medium.