Portret van August Gottlieb Meissner 1778 - 1795

This is a portrait of August Gottlieb Meissner, made by Johann Friedrich Moritz Schreyer. The engraving is a play in the tonality of grey. The subject is framed within an oval, which sits within a rectangular border. The composition’s structure relies on the tension between the defined geometric shapes and the soft organic form of the portrait. The lines are meticulously etched, creating areas of light and shadow that give volume to Meissner's face and clothing. Observe how the texture of the background subtly contrasts with the smoother texture of Meissner's skin, directing our attention to his face. This interplay of textures and tones encourages us to explore the binary opposition that defines the artwork. The engraving itself, as a medium, has semiotic implications. It speaks to the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason, precision, and the power of reproduction. The portrait, therefore, is not just a depiction of an individual but a representation of the era's values and ideals. The formal qualities of the artwork, thus, function as a cultural document.