Portret van Hartwig Karl von Wartenberg 1721 - 1757

Gottfried August Gründler created this portrait of Hartwig Karl von Wartenberg using etching techniques. The portrait gives us a glimpse into the identity of privileged men in 18th century Europe. Wartenberg is seen within an oval frame, adorned with his name and crest, signaling status and lineage in a society deeply stratified by class. The details of his clothing, such as the elaborate fur-lined coat, and the feather in his hat, speak to his social standing. During this period, fashion was dictated by social class and gender, reinforcing existing power structures. Aristocratic men presented themselves in very particular ways. Gründler’s approach to portraiture, while seemingly traditional, subtly underscores the power dynamics inherent in representation. The emotional impact of this piece resides in its ability to connect us to the lives and identities of people from the past. It reminds us of how identity is constructed and communicated through visual cues and social conventions.