Portret van Philipp Ludwig Wittwer 1790

Leonhard Heinrich Hessell created this portrait of Philipp Ludwig Wittwer with etching around 1757. The profile portrait, framed within an oval, is a visual symbol that echoes ancient coins and cameos, evoking a sense of timelessness and historical continuity. Such imagery of the elite dates back to ancient Rome, where emperors stamped their likeness on coins to project power and authority. In this etching, the sitter's powdered wig and refined attire speak to his social standing, while the profile view lends an air of classical dignity. The oval frame itself, like a collector's gem, suggests the value placed on preserving and memorializing the sitter's image. Consider how this motif has journeyed through time, resurfacing in various forms to convey status and legacy. The power of the portrait lies in its ability to capture and project not just a likeness, but an entire world of social meaning, engaging viewers on a deeply subconscious level.