Portret van Johann Friedrich Richter Possibly 1784 - 1803

Christian Gottlieb Geyser's 'Portret van Johann Friedrich Richter' presents us with a study in formal portraiture. The composition is structured around a series of geometric shapes: a rectangular background, a circular frame that contains the portrait, and a rectangular plinth which supports the subject's name. The use of line is precise, defining the subject's features and the ornamentation. Geyser employs hatching to model form and create tonal variation, emphasizing the texture of Richter's wig and coat. The symmetry of the design is disrupted by the slight asymmetry of the bow at the top of the circle, adding a touch of dynamic tension to the otherwise static image. The meticulous detail and controlled execution suggest a desire to convey order and rationality, values that align with the Enlightenment era in which it was created. The work invites us to consider how artistic choices reflect broader cultural values.