Portret van een onbekende man 1810 - 1859

This is Carl Kotterba’s "Portret van een onbekende man," an engraving printed sometime in the 19th century. The portrait’s graphic quality lies in its precise linework, lending a crisp, almost austere feel. Note how the face is built from thousands of tiny lines. This creates subtle gradations of light and shadow. The careful arrangement of these marks gives the face its volume and texture, drawing our attention to the subject’s gaze and the set of his jaw. His coat and scarf, rendered with similar precision, frame the face, underscoring its importance. The portrait plays with the semiotics of appearance. Every element, from the subject’s hair to his clothing, signifies a particular social standing and self-presentation, inviting us to interpret the sitter’s character and position. This work serves not just as a record of an individual’s likeness but also as a study in the cultural codes embedded in visual representation. It highlights how art invites ongoing readings and interpretations, extending beyond its historical moment.