Portret van Wolfgang Christoph Winkler von Mohrenfels 1730

This is Johann Wilhelm Windter's portrait of Wolfgang Christoph Winkler von Mohrenfels, made with engraving. The composition centres on the figure whose presence is amplified by the surrounding architectural elements. Note how the precise hatching and cross-hatching techniques generate a range of tonal values, creating a rich visual texture. The subject is meticulously rendered, and this reflects the formal conventions of Baroque portraiture, designed to convey status and character through controlled visual language. Consider the semiotic elements. The wig, clothing, and setting work as signs that communicate social standing. The symbolic dimension is further complicated by the calculated arrangement of each element and the visual interplay between the textual and figurative parts of the engraving. The piece engages in a discourse about representation, authority, and the cultural codes of its time. While appearing straightforward, its technical detail and structured arrangement invite deeper consideration of the values it presents.