Portret van Carl Ludwig van de Palts met Wolrad von Plessen in de rol van Alexander de Grote en Aristoteles 1772

This is a print made by Georg Friedrich Schmidt, portraying Carl Ludwig van de Palts with Wolrad von Plessen. The composition is structured around the contrast between youth and age, wisdom and potential, embodied in the figures of Alexander the Great and Aristotle. The artist uses line and shading to create depth and texture. The gaze of each man is rendered in fine detail using a light touch that evokes the sitter’s character. This contrast creates a visual tension that invites viewers to contemplate the relationship between the figures and the ideas they represent. Schmidt's choices in form and composition serve to elevate the sitters, portraying the power of knowledge and influence. The print engages with classical ideals of education and leadership. By using the semiotic system of historical and allegorical representation, Schmidt adds layers of meaning, inviting viewers to consider the broader cultural values associated with classical education and the roles of mentor and pupil.