A formal Neoclassical engraving depicting Charles Bernard, Count Van de Werve, in profile, complete with heraldic details and period-accurate calligraphy.

This engraving presents a formal profile portrait of Charles Bernard, Count Van de Werve, set within a circular frame. The composition follows the conventions of eighteenth-century aristocratic portraiture, where the subject is depicted in a dignified, side-facing pose. The count wears a powdered wig and period-appropriate attire, rendered with precise lines that define the texture of his clothing and the soft contours of his face. The circular frame is decorated with a laurel wreath motif, a common element in Neoclassical design, which adds a sense of order and classical authority to the image.

Below the portrait, the work includes a plinth-like base featuring a coat of arms and detailed calligraphic inscriptions. These elements identify the subject and provide biographical details, including his birth date and his reception into the Estates in 1769. The inclusion of heraldry and text transforms the portrait into a commemorative document, typical of the era's interest in lineage and social status. The engraving technique allows for a high degree of control, with subtle shading used to create a sense of volume within the circular frame while keeping the background relatively neutral.

Andreas Bernardus de Quertenmont, a Flemish artist active in Antwerp, was known for his technical proficiency in printmaking. His work often captured the formal qualities of his subjects, reflecting the aesthetic values of the late eighteenth century. This print demonstrates the clarity and balance characteristic of the period, where the focus remains on the precise representation of the individual and their associated symbols of rank. The monochromatic palette and clean lines ensure that the viewer's attention is directed toward the portrait and the accompanying heraldic details, maintaining a sense of historical gravity.