Portrait of Klemens Wenzel Lothar von Metternich Possibly 1830 - 1839

Samuel Cousins created this mezzotint portrait of Klemens Wenzel Lothar von Metternich, an Austrian diplomat, sometime in the 19th century. Metternich was at the epicenter of European power, particularly during the Congress of Vienna, where he helped to reshape the political map after Napoleon. The portrait captures more than just his likeness; it speaks to the enduring power and privilege that defined the European aristocracy of the 19th century. His confident posture and the symbols of status displayed in his dress serve as a visual assertion of his power. Portraits like this were crucial in constructing and maintaining the image of powerful figures. They served as propaganda tools to reinforce societal hierarchies. While seemingly traditional, these portraits also began to hint at the changing tides of social and political thought, as the seeds of revolution began to sprout across Europe. This portrait invites us to reflect on how images of power are constructed and what they conceal about the complexities of identity and history.