Portret van een edelman, Freiherr von Wesenfeld

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, verso, gestempeld: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

**Portrait of a Nobleman,herr von Wesenfeld** Carl Kotterba (0–1859) the dignified likeness of an Austrian aristocrat in a precise steel engraving. Created during the early to mid-19th century, this portrait (167 × 125 mm) reflects era's fascination with nobility amid Europe's shifting political landscapes, from Napoleonic aftermath to the rise of nationalism. Kotterba, working in this transitional period, immortalizes Freiherr von Wesenfeld—likely a baron of some prominence—highlighting the enduring tradition of aristocratic portraiture even as photography loomed on the horizon. Steel engraving, the medium here, marked a technical leap forward from copperplate, allowing for sharper lines, richer tonal gradations, and higher print runs. This innovation made detailed portraits like this more accessible, bridging fine art and reproductive prints for collectors and the emerging middle class. The meticulous technique suits the subject's formal attire and poised expression, evoking the Biedermeier emphasis on restraint and realism. On the verso, a collector's mark (Lugt 2228) stamps its provenance, linking it to esteemed European print enthusiasts. This small yet evocative work invites us to ponder the nobleman's world—elegant, ordered, and on the cusp of change. A gem for engraving aficionados! (198 words)