Artwork
Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor
Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Christian Wilhelm Ketterlinus. It dates from 1792 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 1792 engraving on wove paper, created by Christian Wilhelm Ketterlinus, portrays Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor, in a formal, black-and-white portrait. The composition features the emperor seated on a curved bench, with symbolic elements above and below the figure.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Francis II, is depicted in attire indicative of his imperial status, including a fancy coat and wig. He holds a rolled paper in one hand and supports his chin with the other, conveying a sense of contemplation. A crown and leaf wreath above, accompanied by Latin inscriptions, reinforce his sovereignty.
Technique & Style
The engraving showcases Ketterlinus's mastery of fine linework, utilizing cross-hatching to achieve detailed shadows and textures, notably in the folds of the emperor's coat. A textured border frames the image, with additional Latin text at the bottom.
History & Provenance
Created in 1792 by Christian Wilhelm Ketterlinus, specific details about the engraving's provenance or historical context of its creation are not provided.
Context
As an imperial portrait, the work reflects the artistic conventions of depicting rulers during the late 18th century, emphasizing symbols of power and authority.
Legacy
The enduring significance or influence of this specific engraving by Ketterlinus on subsequent artistic or historical representations is not detailed in the available information.
Artist & collection
Louis XV, King of France
Tolozan de Montfort
H Beard Print Collection
Louis XVI, King of France
Franz Edmund Weirotter
Louis Cesar de La Baume-le-Blanc
Louis XVI, Roi de France
Louis XV
Louis Cesar de La Baume-le-Blanc
Frederick the Great, King of Prussia
Charles Duc Regnant de Brunswick
Leopold II, Holy Roman Emperor