Portret van George II, koning van Groot-Brittannië 1727 - 1749

This is Johann Friedrich Rosbach’s portrait of George II, King of Great Britain, made with etching. The formal structure of this print presents a fascinating interplay between surface and depth, between the tangible and symbolic aspects of power. The subject, King George II, is adorned in ceremonial robes. The artist renders the textures of velvet, fur, and lace with precise hatching, which gives the two-dimensional surface a tactile illusion. Note how the composition is organized around a vertical axis, which reinforces the king's erect posture and the symbolic weight of his office. The background elements are rendered with a lighter touch, in contrast to the density and detail of the king's attire. Rosbach employs a conventional semiotic language with the crown, coat-of-arms, and scepter. These are not mere aesthetic choices but rather encoded symbols that reinforce the king's authority and legitimacy. Ultimately, Rosbach's work invites us to consider the nature of representation itself, questioning how it shapes our understanding of power, identity, and the cultural codes that govern our perceptions.