Selvportræt 1761

Editor: Here we have "Selvportræt," a self-portrait by W.A. Müller, created in 1761. It's an engraving, giving it a fascinatingly detailed, almost woven texture. There's a formality to it, but I find myself wondering...what kind of person engraves their own portrait? What's going on behind those eyes? Curator: That's a fantastic question. It's like meeting Herr Müller himself, isn't it? When I look at this piece, I'm immediately struck by the control he exhibits, both in the medium and in his self-presentation. It feels very… calculated. The hatching gives this incredible density, but is it just about precision, or do you feel some of the human struggle of mastering a tricky craft, too? Editor: I see what you mean! The precision *is* remarkable, but there's also a hint of… defiance? Is that too strong? Curator: Not at all. He seems intensely present, doesn't he? I wonder about the fashion, the hat and neck covering give some protection, but are they also a costume, perhaps? What statement do you think Müller, as an artist, is trying to make? Does it connect at all with you personally? Editor: I guess it's like building a brand almost? In a very 18th-century way! Curator: Precisely. An early form of self-promotion. And for me, this image underscores the sometimes fragile human desire for lasting recognition. Perhaps Müller was looking to place himself in art history through the mastery he held. Editor: It is fascinating to see how artists presented themselves centuries ago and reflect upon their world and methods of the time. This portrait offers a surprisingly intimate encounter.