Portret van Friedrich Hoffmann c. 1700 - 1755

This print portrays Friedrich Hoffmann, and was made by C. Mathey sometime in the 1700s. The portrait's composition divides into distinct zones. At the top, the oval frame around Hoffmann's likeness creates an intimate space, drawing us into his gaze. Note how the artist uses line and shadow to model Hoffmann's face and clothing, giving a sense of depth. Below, a stark pedestal grounds the portrait, stabilizing Hoffmann in a world of status. This structure emphasizes the importance of representation and the performative aspects of identity in portraiture. The lines and geometric structure is typical of the Enlightenment’s quest for order. Consider how the print uses form to communicate ideas about identity, representation, and the pursuit of knowledge during the Enlightenment. This is a reminder that art does not exist in a vacuum.