Portret van Michael Alberti 1710 - 1733

This is Martin Bernigeroth's portrait of Michael Alberti, made with engraving. The composition here is a study in contrasts. The oval frame containing Alberti's likeness is juxtaposed against the angular drapery, creating a dynamic tension between the geometric and the organic. Lines define form, delineating every curl of Alberti’s elaborate wig, each fold of fabric, and the subtle contours of his face. Note how the texture achieved through intricate cross-hatching adds depth and a tactile quality to the otherwise flat surface. The use of light and shadow further enhances the visual interest. Bernigeroth employs shading to sculpt Alberti’s features, lending him a sense of gravitas and intellectual weight. But this work is not just about representation; it is a semiotic system. The wig, the drapery, the very act of portraiture – all communicate status and intellect within the cultural codes of the time. The text at the base inscribes the accomplishments of the sitter, solidifying Alberti's professional identity. Consider how the formal elements of line and texture function as cultural signs. This is not merely a likeness, but a carefully constructed image designed to convey specific meanings within a particular social context.