Portret van Christian Daniel Beurer 1710 - 1781

This is Georg Lichtensteger’s ‘Portret van Christian Daniel Beurer’, made sometime in the 18th century. The composition is anchored by a muted palette, predominately in blacks, whites and greys. The subject is set against a simple backdrop, lending the piece a sense of quiet contemplation. The portrait's construction reveals a clear intent to convey Beurer's character through form and symbol. Lichtensteger employs a precise engraving technique, using line and texture to suggest depth and volume. Note how the books—symbols of knowledge and reflection—along with the family coat of arms, are rendered with sharp clarity. The subject's gaze, directed slightly off-center, invites speculation. His expression is captured with a degree of naturalism that is both engaging and subtly unsettling. This work prompts us to consider the semiotic function of portraiture itself. It uses visual cues to construct and convey meaning within a specific cultural and historical framework.