Portret van Karel Bernhard van Saksen-Weimar-Eisenach 1818 - 1876

This portrait of Karel Bernhard van Saksen-Weimar-Eisenach was created by Carel Christiaan Antony Last using lithography. The composition presents the Duke in a tightly framed bust, emphasizing his military regalia. Note the intricate detailing achieved through lithography; it captures the textures of his uniform and the reflective qualities of his medals. This meticulous rendering evokes a sense of precision and formality, typical of official portraiture intended to convey authority and status. Consider how Last employs line and shading to model the Duke’s face, lending him a stoic and commanding presence. The high contrast between light and shadow not only defines his features but also adds a sense of depth. This use of chiaroscuro connects it to a broader tradition of representing power and prestige through portraiture, yet the lithographic technique brings a modern sensibility to the genre. The print thus acts as a signifier of both individual identity and broader socio-political structures.