Portret van Franz Volkmar Reinhard 1840 - 1855

This is Carl Mayer's portrait of Franz Volkmar Reinhard, made as an engraving sometime in the early to mid-19th century. The composition is structured through a series of contained rectangles—the border of the print itself, the inner frame around the portrait, and the space occupied by the figure. The portrait's formal qualities, particularly the use of line and shading, invite us to consider how meaning is constructed. Reinhard’s gaze directs us to an unseen point beyond the frame, suggesting a world of thought and contemplation. The engraver's meticulous lines capture the texture of his clothing and the subtle contours of his face. The texture of the engraving and the way light and shadow are rendered give the portrait a sense of depth. Ultimately, Mayer's print offers a study in contrasts and containment, inviting ongoing interpretations about representation and the self.