Artwork

Portrait of prince Augustus Ferdinand von Hohenzollern (1730–1813)

Portrait of prince Augustus Ferdinand von Hohenzollern (1730–1813) is an oil painting by Unknown. It is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.

About this work

Overview

The work is an oil portrait of Prince Augustus Ferdinand von Hohenzollern (1730–1813). Rendered in a round format, the composition presents the sitter in a dark setting, emphasizing the contrast between his red military coat with gold trim and the muted background. The painting shows signs of age, with slight wear along its edges.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts the prince in full dress uniform, his white wig neatly arranged and his expression solemn, marked by a pale complexion and a faint frown. The attire and demeanor reflect his military rank and the formal conventions of aristocratic portraiture in the eighteenth century.

Technique & Style

The artist employs chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts of light and shadow to model the figure’s features and give volume to the red coat. Gold buttons catch highlights, while the dark backdrop recedes, creating a three‑dimensional presence typical of the period’s portraiture.

History & Provenance

The painting is dated to the late eighteenth century, corresponding with the lifetime of Prince Augustus Ferdinand. Its provenance beyond the original commission is not documented in the supplied information, and the work now exhibits the typical patina of age.