A detailed nineteenth-century engraving by Auguste Hüssener depicting Karl Theodor von Küstner in formal attire.

This engraving by Auguste Hüssener depicts Karl Theodor von Küstner, a figure of note in the German theatrical and administrative circles of the nineteenth century. Hüssener, a skilled engraver based in Berlin, utilised the stipple and line engraving techniques common to the period to capture the likeness of her subject. The portrait presents Küstner in his official military-style uniform, complete with epaulettes and medals, reflecting his status and professional standing. His expression is composed, and the inclusion of spectacles adds a sense of intellectual focus to the composition.

The artist demonstrates a high degree of technical precision in the rendering of the uniform textures, particularly the cross-hatching used to define the fabric of the jacket and the delicate shading of the facial features. The background remains minimal, allowing the viewer to focus entirely on the sitter. Hüssener was known for her work in portraiture and reproductive printmaking, often documenting the prominent figures of the Prussian era. This print provides a clear example of the formal portraiture style that was popular for public distribution and archival purposes during the mid-nineteenth century.

The work is signed by the artist in the lower right corner, with the subject's name inscribed below the image area. The clarity of the lines and the balanced tonal range are characteristic of the high-quality engraving standards maintained by Berlin workshops of the time. This print is a document of both the individual and the aesthetic conventions of the era, offering a view into the visual culture of the German professional class. It remains a clean, well-executed example of nineteenth-century portrait engraving, suitable for those interested in historical documentation or the history of printmaking.