Self-portrait with his brother Gottlieb Christian Fuger Heinrich Friedrich Fuger (1751-1818)

The miniature presents two young men in a domestic setting, framed within an oval vignette. The composition is dominated by their interaction and the implied narrative surrounding music. One figure stands behind the other, leaning casually over his shoulder with an air of relaxed familiarity. He wears a pale grey coat with gold braiding at the cuffs and collar, paired with a red scarf knotted loosely around his neck; his powdered wig sits neatly atop his head. His gaze is directed outward, suggesting a slight detachment from the scene unfolding before him.
The second young man is seated at a harpsichord, actively engaged in playing. He is dressed in a blue jacket and matching cap, with a purple waistcoat visible beneath. A pencil is held between his fingers, poised above sheet music resting on the instrument’s stand. His expression conveys concentration and perhaps a touch of youthful seriousness. The light falls upon him, highlighting the details of his attire and emphasizing his focused posture.
The artist has employed a muted palette, relying heavily on cool tones – blues, greys, and purples – to create an atmosphere of understated elegance. Subtle gradations in color suggest depth and volume, particularly noticeable in the rendering of fabrics. The background is indistinct, allowing the figures to remain the focal point.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of two brothers sharing a musical moment, subtexts emerge concerning social standing and familial relationships. The attire of both boys indicates a comfortable economic status; their clothing suggests an upbringing steeped in refinement and privilege. The act of playing music itself signifies education and cultural cultivation – activities typically associated with the upper classes. The posture of the standing figure, leaning casually over his brother, could be interpreted as a display of affection or perhaps a subtle assertion of dominance within the sibling dynamic. Ultimately, the work offers a glimpse into a specific moment in time, capturing not only physical likeness but also hinting at the social and personal context that shaped these young men’s lives.