Portret van Willem August Lodewijk Maximiliaan Frederik van Brunswijk-Wolfenbüttel-Bevern 1775 - 1840

This is a portrait of Willem August Lodewijk Maximiliaan Frederik van Brunswijk-Wolfenbüttel-Bevern, created by Ernst Ludwig Riepenhausen using engraving techniques. The artwork's composition centres on the bust of Willem, set against a stark, neutral backdrop. The textures achieved through engraving create a tactile quality, particularly in the intricate rendering of his hair and the fabric of his coat. The stark contrast between light and shadow enhances the three-dimensionality of the figure, drawing the eye to the subtle gradations that define Willem's features and attire. Riepenhausen’s skill in using line and shadow invites consideration of the piece as more than a mere likeness; it functions almost as a study in contrasts—between the softness of the facial features and the rigid structure of the uniform, and the starkness of the presentation with the delicate detail of the engraving. This exploration elevates the portrait beyond its representational purpose, offering a commentary on the balance between individual character and formal representation.