Portret van Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer

About this artwork

height 297 mm x width 193 mm

Art Historical Context

"Portret van Heinrich August Meyer" is a striking steel engraving by Karl Barth, dating to the period spanning 1797–1853. Measuring 297 mm in height by 193 mm in width this portrait captures the dignified likeness of its subject, Heinrich August Wilhelm, in a format ideal for display or publication. Barth, working in an era of rapid advancements in printmaking, employs this medium to render precise facial features and subtle textures, inviting viewers to ponder Meyer's character and status. Steel engraving emerged in the early 19th century as a breakthrough technique, using durable steel plates instead of fragile copper ones. This allowed engravers like Barth to produce finer lines, greater detail, and far larger editions—democratizing access to sophisticated portraiture beyond elite commissions. The result was a crisp, enduring image that balanced artistic finesse with reproducibility, perfect for books, albums, or scholarly circles. As a product of this innovative age, the portrait reflects the cultural shift toward visual documentation of notable individuals, blending technical mastery with historical preservation. Step closer in our virtual gallery and appreciate how Barth's engraving bridges art and legacy!

About the Artist

Karl Barth · 1787–1853

Karl Barth (also known as Carl Barth or Johann Carl Barth, 1787–1853) was a versatile German artist who worked as a copperplate engraver, draughtsman, painter, illustrator, and portrait engraver during the late eighteenth and first half of the nineteenth centuries. Born in Eisfeld in the Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen and dying in Kassel, Barth exemplified the multi-talented artist-craftsman of the Roman...