Portret van Gottfried Steinbach 1787 - 1803

Christian Gottlieb Geyser created this portrait of Gottfried Steinbach using etching techniques. The composition is striking in its symmetry and structured layering, evoking a sense of formal reverence. Notice how the central oval frame, adorned with leaves, encases Steinbach’s profile, placing him within a classical emblem of honor. The portrait rests on a plinth that grounds the image and transforms it into a three-dimensional sculpture. The delicate hatching and fine lines give texture to Steinbach's coat and wig, contrasting with the smoother planes of his face and the background. This meticulous attention to detail serves to elevate the sitter, presenting him as an enlightened figure worthy of admiration. The structured arrangement of the image and the use of classical motifs are signs of the era's cultural codes and values. Ultimately, the artwork invites us to reflect on how the aesthetic choices embody and reinforce notions of status, intellect and cultural legacy.