Portret van Johann Hartwig, Graf von Bernstorff 1775 - 1826

Curator: At first glance, the portrait evokes a sense of reserved authority. The man’s gaze is direct but not confrontational. It feels very… calculated. Editor: This is a print, an engraving created sometime between 1775 and 1826, of Johann Hartwig Ernst, Graf von Bernstorff. The artist who made it was Anton Wachsmann. Curator: Bernstorff, hmm. The trappings of aristocracy are definitely there, with the ornate cravat and powdered wig. Note how the artist used the formal attire to denote social position. What's striking is the severe framing of the portrait within the octagonal border. The choice is symbolic; he seems consciously portrayed as an enlightened statesman. Editor: To my eye, the starkness contrasts vividly with the implied Rococo excesses that surely defined Bernstorff's era and social stratum. Is it meant to signal a rejection of frivolousness? Curator: Precisely! The piece is infused with Neoclassical ideals. Look at the emphasis on line, the clear and rational composition, and a rejection of elaborate decoration. This print served a crucial public function. Reproducing Bernstorff’s likeness allowed his image, and thus his influence, to be disseminated and potentially idealized. Editor: So the seemingly objective engraving is far from neutral; it is charged with meaning, crafting a public persona of virtue and intellect through visual cues accessible to a broad audience. Even the choice of printmaking as a medium speaks to this democratization of imagery. Curator: Exactly. The engraving performs cultural work, reinforcing social hierarchies, political ideals and communicating a certain kind of status. This exploration demonstrates how portraits act as more than likenesses; they’re active participants in social and political discourses. Editor: Studying how symbols intersect with societal changes adds deeper layers to my understanding. Thanks!