Oscar Patrick Sturzenbecher 1830 - 1896

This engraving of Oscar Patrick Sturzenbecher was created by Franz Wilhelm Obermann, though its exact date is unknown. Look closely at how Obermann uses the stark contrast of black ink on white paper to define form and texture. The meticulous cross-hatching builds up a sense of depth, particularly in the subject's clothing and facial features, where the play of light and shadow gives the portrait volume. The composition follows a classical structure, focusing on a central figure presented from the mid-torso upwards, engaging us directly with a steady gaze. The cigar held casually in his hand is not merely a detail, but an element of semiotic significance: it speaks to Sturzenbecher's status and cultivates an air of intellectual leisure. Obermann’s structural rendering invites us to consider how such visual choices communicate societal roles and personal identity. This work operates within systems of representation, where the subject’s pose and attire contribute to the construction of a persona. It reflects the codes and conventions by which individuals were portrayed and understood.