Portret van de heer C.W.J. Schramm 1800 - 1849

This is Ulrich Weber's portrait of C.W.J. Schramm, rendered with delicate lines on paper. The oval frame, a classical motif, encloses Schramm, focusing our attention on his composed expression. Weber masterfully uses hatching and stippling to define form. Notice how the light delicately models Schramm's face, while the shading adds depth to his coat. The very controlled lines suggest the sitter's composure. The portrait, with its controlled lines and symmetrical composition, can be seen as an illustration of enlightenment ideas. During the Enlightenment, there was a prevalent belief that the universe, like a well-designed clock, functioned according to rational and knowable principles. The artwork isn’t just a visual representation; it is a sign that is part of a bigger cultural system. It reflects the values of its time and asks us to think about how ideas influence art and how we see it.