Ladislaus IV 1828

Editor: This is Josef Kriehuber’s “Ladislaus IV”, created as a drawing in 1828. There’s a fascinating contrast between the soft features of the figure and the rigid armour. It feels like Kriehuber wanted to humanise the monarch through caricature. What strikes you when you look at this portrait? Curator: The portrait’s composition is clearly organised by geometric volumes. Notice how the artist uses colour not naturalistically but according to a structured code; the primary colour divisions denote segments of status within the attire. Can you identify how the crown signifies the geometric apex? Editor: It is placed almost perfectly centrally at the top of the frame, creating symmetry, so the eye is automatically drawn to it. And you're right about the geometric shapes; even the torso looks a bit like a cone because of the way the fabric falls. The palette seems intentionally flattened. Do you think it could be a symbolic element to signify he was perhaps not the best ruler? Curator: Precisely. And observe how the subject is foregrounded—how does the stark white backdrop enhance your understanding of the subject? How does it enhance or flatten the three-dimensionality of the form? Editor: I hadn't noticed the almost complete lack of a backdrop until now. It keeps the focus firmly on the figure. Without any kind of naturalistic perspective, he appears two-dimensional. Curator: Kriehuber is less interested in accurate historical representation and instead seeks to distill the essence of monarchy, exploring it formally. A successful extraction in my estimation! Editor: I agree. I initially took it at face value as a representation, but I can see that Kriehuber’s actually more concerned with visual structures and semiotics than depicting historical accuracy. Thanks for pointing that out!