Portret van Jörg von Halsbach 1768 - 1810

Felix Halm created this portrait of Jörg von Halsbach, sometime between 1758 and 1810. Notice how the print uses line and texture to convey form and character. The artist uses cross-hatching to sculpt Halsbach's face, giving him a sense of gravitas. The composition divides into distinct zones: the detailed portrait above, and the text below. This division highlights a tension between representation and interpretation. Is it a true likeness? The meticulous lines suggest objectivity, yet the backdrop pattern could also be read as a screen, or filter, destabilising the image. This play between what is shown and how it is shown invites contemplation of art's ability to capture reality versus its inherent subjectivity. The formal rigor of the portrait, balanced against the background, serves to open up questions about representation and authenticity, inviting ongoing re-evaluation.