Constantine Moldavi, Prince of Scarlati - Georg Friedrich Schmidt

An eighteenth-century engraving by Georg Friedrich Schmidt depicting Constantine Moldavi, Prince of Scarlati, within a formal architectural frame.

This portrait by Georg Friedrich Schmidt depicts Constantine Moldavi, Prince of Scarlati, presented within a formal oval frame. Schmidt, a German printmaker who spent significant time in Paris and Saint Petersburg, was known for his technical precision in etching and engraving. This work demonstrates his ability to render varied textures, from the soft, dense fur of the subject's hat and cloak to the metallic sheen of the decorative fastenings on his garment.

The composition follows the conventions of eighteenth-century aristocratic portraiture. The subject is positioned within a trompe l'oeil stone frame, which rests upon a pedestal featuring a coat of arms and a Latin inscription. The use of hatching and cross-hatching creates a sense of volume and depth, typical of the period's printmaking techniques. The subject's gaze is directed toward the viewer, conveying a sense of authority and presence.

Schmidt's career was marked by his appointment as a member of the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture in Paris, and later his work for the Russian court. His prints were highly regarded for their clarity and tonal range. This particular engraving captures the sartorial details of the Prince's attire, reflecting the fashion of the era while adhering to the formal requirements of a commemorative portrait. The print serves as a record of the subject's status, with the heraldic elements at the base providing additional context regarding his lineage and position. The work remains a clear example of the high level of craftsmanship achieved by European printmakers during the mid-eighteenth century, focusing on the balance between realistic representation and the decorative requirements of the print medium.