Portret van Matthias Wilhelm von Below 1769 - 1828

Eberhard Siegfried Henne created this print of Matthias Wilhelm von Below using etching and engraving techniques. It gives us a glimpse into the visual culture of late 18th and early 19th century Europe and the ways that portraiture was used to convey social status. This image, made in Germany, presents von Below in an oval frame, a common trope for portraits of the time. He is depicted wearing a powdered wig and a buttoned jacket, and is also wearing a medal. These details signify his status and position within society. The print itself, as a reproducible medium, speaks to the growing accessibility of images and their role in shaping public perception. To truly understand this work, one might delve into genealogical records, period literature, and the history of portraiture to unpack its nuances. Art history thrives on such investigations, revealing the intricate web of meanings embedded in images.