Portret van Friedrich von Görne 1745 - 1775

This is Georg Friedrich Schmidt’s undated portrait of Friedrich von Görne, made with etching and engraving techniques. The portrait provides insights into the social structures of 18th-century Europe, particularly the culture of aristocracy and the importance of social status. Görne is depicted within an elaborate frame, adorned with heraldic symbols and inscriptions detailing his titles and positions within the Prussian court. The emphasis on Görne's identity as a high-ranking official reflects the hierarchical society of the time, where birth and status determined one's position and influence. Schmidt's technical skill also reflects the importance of printmaking as a medium for disseminating images of power and prestige. Prints like these allowed for the circulation of aristocratic imagery. To understand this portrait further, historians would consult genealogical records, court documents, and period publications to uncover the historical context of its production and reception. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.