Portret van Georg Adolph Kress von Kressenstein 1726

This is Johann Wilhelm Windter’s portrait of Georg Adolph Kress von Kressenstein, made at an unknown date with an etching technique. Dominating the composition is Kressenstein himself, framed by a heavy curtain and column. Light falls across his figure, highlighting the textures of his fur-lined robe and voluminous wig. The artist uses line and shading to create a sense of depth and volume. Note how the artist has employed linear perspective to give depth to the landscape scene in the background. The city buildings are visible on the horizon against the bright sky. The engraving technique lends itself to sharp contrasts and fine details, visible in the intricate patterns of the clothing and the sitter's facial features. These sharp lines not only define shapes but also contribute to the overall texture, mimicking the richness of the fabrics and the roughness of the architectural elements. In this way, Windter draws our attention not only to Kressenstein, but also to the status that is symbolized through these semiotic devices.