Portret van Ernst August I van Saksen-Weimar-Eisenach 1716 - 1761

Pieter Tanjé created this print of Ernst August I, Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, sometime in the 1700s. As a portrait, it speaks to the sitter’s elevated social standing and the hierarchies of the time. Note how Ernst August is depicted: he is framed by a classical oval and adorned with symbols of military power and nobility. From his powdered wig to the elaborate detailing on his garment, the image is carefully constructed to convey authority and status. Yet, at the same time, we might consider the emotional life of the Duke. His gaze is averted, perhaps conveying a sense of melancholy or introspection. The portrait operates within the conventions of representation expected for someone of his position, but it also hints at the complexities of individual identity within a rigid social structure. It reminds us that portraiture is about both public image and the nuanced, personal experiences of the sitter.