Portret van Ehrenfried Müller 1725 - 1749

This is Johann Friedrich Rosbach's "Portret van Ehrenfried Müller," an engraving now held at the Rijksmuseum. The eye is immediately drawn to the sitter, Ehrenfried Müller, who dominates the composition. The formal arrangement is striking: Müller is presented in a three-quarter view, which allows the viewer to fully appreciate his physical presence. The engraving's structure hinges on a play between the material and the symbolic. Note the contrast between the textures—the smoothness of Müller's face, the detailed rendering of his wig, and the rich fabric of his robe. These formal elements are not merely decorative, but are intrinsic to the meaning of the work. The inclusion of sculpted figures and a skull further emphasizes the symbolic layering of the piece. This engraving is not just a representation of a person, but an engagement with ideas about representation itself. The artwork invites us to consider how the medium shapes our perception and understanding.