Portret van Frederik de Grote 1740 - 1777

This is Michael Rössler’s portrait of Frederik de Grote, made using etching. The portrait presents a rigid structure that speaks to the formal conventions of royal representation. The composition is built around a series of framed rectangles—the outermost frame, the portrait’s edge, the inscription block, and the inner frame around Frederik himself. The precise lines of the etching create a sense of order and control, echoing the subject’s regal status. However, the textures—achieved through intricate line work—add visual interest, preventing the image from becoming overly severe. The strategic use of light and shadow defines Frederik's features, lending depth to the image. The portrait employs semiotic codes typical of royal portraiture, such as the sash, star, and ermine fur. These signifiers reinforce the depicted figure's power. Yet, the etching's limited scale creates an intimate viewing experience. This interplay of formal and intimate, public and private, invites us to reconsider the codes of power and representation.