Fotoreproductie van een gegraveerd portret van Friedrich Ernst Daniel Schleiermacher 1850 - 1900

This is a photoreproduction of an engraved portrait of Friedrich Ernst Daniel Schleiermacher, crafted by an anonymous artist. The portrait is meticulously framed, inviting us to consider how boundaries shape our perception. Schleiermacher, depicted with careful shading, appears thoughtful, his gaze directed slightly off-center, creating a sense of depth and introspection. The composition draws attention to the play of light and shadow on his face, emphasizing the texture of his skin and the contours of his features. This contrast is crucial. It reflects the philosophical tension between the visible and the invisible, the known and the unknown, a dialectic that Schleiermacher himself explored in his theological and philosophical work. The very act of framing—a visual bracketing—prompts questions about what is included and excluded, and how meaning is constructed through these choices. Note the visual weight given to the lines of his clothing which signifies his position and importance within society. The starkness of the plain rectangular collar, the subtle interplay between line and form, all contribute to a reading of authority but also quiet determination.