Portrait of Juliana Elizabeth König, nee Wertmüller c. 18th century

Curator: This is Adolf Ulric Wertmüller's portrait of Juliana Elizabeth König, née Wertmüller, a delicate drawing held by the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: There's a lightness to it, a certain ephemeral quality enhanced by the monochromatic tones and sketch-like quality. Curator: Wertmüller was a prominent portraitist; works like this provided a vital service in solidifying social standing among the elite. Editor: Notice how the artist uses simple lines to define her profile, yet the subtle hatching suggests volume and texture, especially in her hair. Curator: Indeed. It speaks to the Enlightenment's focus on individuality, yet remains rooted in the conventions of representing status through likeness. It allows us to ask what was required of women in this period, and how were they perceived? Editor: I am struck, too, by how the soft rendering contributes to a sense of interiority. A fleeting moment, expertly captured. Curator: A study of class and artistic practice. Editor: And an intimate glimpse into a life.