Portret van Robert Brice-Kingsmill 1802

This is a stipple engraving of Robert Brice-Kingsmill, created by Friedrich Wilhelm Nettling, a German artist who was active in the early 19th century. Engravings like this played a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of individuals, especially those in positions of power. Consider the visual codes at play here; the naval uniform signifies Kingsmill’s status and profession. The very act of creating and disseminating this image speaks to the social hierarchies of the time, where portraiture was often reserved for the elite. Engravings served as a means of documenting and celebrating prominent figures. In a time long before photography, the institutional role of portraiture ensured the fame of individuals for future generations. To understand this image more fully, one might research the life and career of Robert Brice-Kingsmill, as well as Nettling’s broader artistic output. Looking into archives for letters or mentions in period newspapers may reveal the social context in which the artwork was made and received.