Portret van Johan Melchior Goeze op 38-jarige leeftijd 1756

This is a print of Johan Melchior Goeze at the age of 38, created by Christian Fritzsch. Notice the sharp, precise lines that define the sitter's features and clothing. Fritzsch masterfully uses a formal structure to convey the status and intellectual gravitas of Goeze. The composition is carefully arranged, balancing the figure with the books on the left, suggesting Goeze’s scholarly pursuits. The ruff around the neck and the intricate details of the clothing not only situate the subject within a specific historical context but also highlight the formal qualities of texture and pattern. The play of light and shadow, achieved through meticulous hatching and cross-hatching, gives depth to the figure and adds a sense of realism. This formal construction is not merely decorative; it serves to reinforce the sitter’s identity as a man of importance. The controlled, deliberate style of the print reflects a larger cultural emphasis on order and reason.