Albrecht Achilles: The Warrior Prince of Brandenburg in Prayer, 1847
€ 160
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1847
Sheet size
27 × 18 cm (10.6 × 7.1 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13635-11
Condition
Good. Overal very light toning and light soiling but the image itself clean and hand-colored almost 200 years ago and still in expliciet colors. Aged paper with typically warm, yellowish-brown hue, mostly around the edges. Study the image carefully.
About this sheet
The image depicts Albrecht III Achilles, Elector of Brandenburg, known for being a significant figure in the early history of Brandenburg-Prussia.
Albrecht is shown in a kneeling pose, which may represent piety or a moment of homage, as was often depicted in portraits of nobility and rulers to reflect their humility before God or their fealty to a higher monarch or authority. He is wearing a splendid suit of armor, indicating his status as a warrior and a leader. Over his armor, he wears a luxurious cloak lined with fur, which denotes wealth and high status. The cloak is a rich red, a color often associated with power and nobility. On his head, he wears a chaperon, a type of hat that was fashionable in the 15th century.
His hands are clasped in prayer, which, along with his attire, suggests a blending of martial and devout aspects of his character. Given his historical significance, the image likely intends to convey both his earthly power and his spiritual devotion.
Egg whites can be applied as a varnish over pigments to enhance their brightness and to protect the colors. This application could make the colors appear more vivid and also add a slight glossy sheen to the surface of the image.
Egg yolk, on the other hand, was commonly used as a binding agent in paint. It forms the basis of tempera paint, a medium that was widely used before the advent of oil painting. Egg yolk helps to create a durable and long-lasting color that adheres well to various surfaces.
In the context of the print from 1847, it's less likely that egg whites or yolks were used directly on the print, as by that time, commercial printing processes would have been more advanced and less reliant on such manual methods. However, if this print is a representation of an earlier style or is meant to mimic the appearance of hand-painted manuscripts, the original artists might have employed techniques or materials that gave a similar effect to those achieved with egg-based binders and varnishes.
