Bildnis Dr. Stephan Schroff 

Friedrich von Amerling painted this portrait of Dr. Stephan Schroff using oil on canvas, a technique mastered over centuries. Amerling would have built up the image in layers, starting with thin washes of color, gradually adding detail and depth. Look at the textures he creates: the smooth skin, the soft fabric of the coat, and the crispness of the white cravat. Each of these effects relies on a deep understanding of the material properties of oil paint, and how it can be manipulated with brushes and other tools. Consider too, that the clothes worn by Dr. Schroff were themselves the product of skilled labor, from the growing of flax for his linen shirt to the tailoring of his coat. The painting isn’t just a likeness; it’s an index of the entire system of production that supported his status. By attending to materials and making, we can appreciate not only Amerling's artistry, but also the complex social and economic context in which he worked.