Portret van Johann August Starck 1757 - 1828

Samuel Gottlob Kuetner created this portrait of Johann August Starck using engraving techniques. The composition is structured around geometric forms. A circular frame encloses the bust of Starck, while a rectangular plaque below bears his name. The limited tonal range, achieved through careful hatching, gives the portrait a sense of depth. This portrait reflects the 18th-century interest in rational order and the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason. Kuetner employs geometric shapes to convey stability and intellect. Consider the circular frame as a symbol of wholeness, and the rectangle a sign of groundedness. The minimal ornamentation and focus on Starck's face invite the viewer to contemplate his intellectual persona. Note the textures of the paper, the precise lines of the engraving, and the subtle gradations of light and shadow. These details are not merely aesthetic but integral to the portrait's meaning, revealing the subject's character through a structured, rational lens.