Portret van Frederik de Grote 1740 - 1788

This is Johann Esaias Nilson's portrait of Frederik de Grote, made using etching. The print is structured around a central oval containing the profile of Frederik, emphasizing a classical sense of order. This shape is crowned with foliage and a regal crown. Below, the composition leads us to a plinth adorned with an eagle and cherubic figures. These motifs create a hierarchical arrangement, reinforcing notions of power and knowledge. Consider the visual language at play. Nilson uses line and form to convey complex ideas about leadership and legacy. The symmetry and balanced composition also contribute to the engraving's aesthetic appeal and deepen its symbolic resonance. The portrait invites us to reflect on the interplay of representation and meaning.