Frederik II bespreekt de kosten van het feest 1788

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki created this print, "Frederik II bespreekt de kosten van het feest," using etching techniques. The composition is dominated by the figures of Frederik II and an advisor, set within an interior space. The figures are rendered with precise, delicate lines, creating a sense of texture and detail in their clothing and facial features. The interior is suggested through the use of linear perspective, with receding walls and furniture. Chodowiecki’s choice of line and form serves to convey a sense of order and clarity, typical of the Enlightenment ideals of reason and structure. The composition invites us to consider the relationship between power and representation. The etching technique itself reflects the Enlightenment’s emphasis on precision and detail, aligning with the era's broader intellectual and cultural pursuits. Ultimately, this print functions as a semiotic structure, conveying meaning through its arrangement of forms, lines, and figures. It encourages us to reflect on the interplay of power, representation, and the cultural values of the Enlightenment.