Portret van Auguste von Liegnitz 1810 - 1844

Johann Friedrich August Clar created this print of Auguste von Liegnitz, Princess of Hohenzollern and wife to the King of Prussia. It gives us an insight into the public role of art and the politics of imagery in nineteenth-century Prussia. The print, with its careful shading and formal composition, speaks to the values of the Prussian court. Note how Auguste is framed, literally, in an octagonal border. Below her portrait, the text reinforces her noble titles, emphasizing her position within the rigid social hierarchy of the time. Prints like these served to disseminate carefully controlled images of the royal family, reinforcing their authority and projecting an image of stability. To understand this artwork, it is crucial to delve into the history of the Prussian monarchy, its relationship with its aristocracy, and the function of art within that context. Research into the Clar's printmaking practice and his connection to the Prussian court will shed more light on his social conditions and artistic production. The image is a testament to how art serves to uphold the status quo.