Portret van Lodewijk V van Beieren 1773

This is "Portret van Lodewijk V van Beieren," made by Joseph Anton Zimmermann in the 18th century using etching. The composition is structured around a portrait framed within an architectural border. The monochromatic palette emphasizes the contrast between light and shadow, creating a sense of depth and texture. Zimmermann meticulously renders the intricate details of Lodewijk's attire, his fur-lined robe. This attention to detail reflects the semiotic function of clothing, in which each aspect carries symbolic weight, signaling status and power within a rigid social hierarchy. The architectural framework further reinforces the subject's position within this structure, framing him as both a historical figure and a symbol of authority. The inscription below adds another layer of meaning, anchoring the image in a specific historical context. The etching’s formal qualities, like the clean lines, highlight the role of representation.