Portret van Friedrich Wagner 1737

This is a portrait of Friedrich Wagner by Christian Fritzsch, rendered in printmaking technique. The composition is strikingly organized around a play of contrasting textures. Notice the elaborate wig and the pleated ruff, sharply juxtaposed against the smooth fabric of Wagner’s robe. The artist's meticulous attention to line and detail serves to emphasize the sitter's status and intellect. The use of contrasting light and shadow models Wagner’s face, drawing our attention to his expression, which exudes an air of quiet authority. By combining visual elements like texture, line and tone, the artist aims to convey not just a likeness but also a sense of Wagner’s character and importance within his community. The overall effect is one of controlled elegance, reflecting the cultural values of the time. The portrait can be viewed as an interpretation that embodies a larger cultural and philosophical discourse.