Portret van Karel Emanuel III van Sardinië 1730 - 1767

Johann Martin Bernigeroth created this portrait of Charles Emmanuel III of Sardinia using etching techniques. The oval format immediately draws the eye, encasing the regal figure in a structured, almost architectural frame. Notice how the precise lines and meticulous detail create a sense of formality and decorum, typical of portraiture intended to convey authority. Bernigeroth’s technique captures the texture of the armor and the soft curls of the wig with remarkable clarity. The composition invites a semiotic reading. The oval frame, reminiscent of classical portraiture, serves as a signifier of status and tradition. Yet, Bernigeroth's rendering, with its emphasis on texture and detail, subtly challenges the smooth idealization often found in such portraits. This tension between the formal structure and the detailed execution introduces complexity, disrupting fixed meanings and inviting viewers to engage with the representation of power and identity in new ways. Bernigeroth’s strategic use of line and form functions not just aesthetically but also as a cultural statement, prompting ongoing interpretation of the sitter's role and persona.