Portret van Sophie van Württemberg 1839 - 1868

Carl Mayer created this portrait of Sophie van Württemberg using etching and burin. It is a work defined by soft contrasts and delicate linear work. Notice how the hatching defines the form of Sophie’s face, giving her a serene and composed presence. The composition relies on a semiotic system of signs associated with wealth and status. The elaborate curls framing her face and the meticulous detail given to her dress speak to societal expectations of aristocratic representation. The artist seems to be aware of structuralist principles, using visual elements to convey messages about identity and social position. The cool, muted tones and precise execution create a sense of formality. Mayer challenges the viewer to consider how these visual cues function within a broader cultural context, inviting us to decode the layers of meaning embedded in the artwork’s formal structure.