Portret van Jakob Gujer, genaamd Kleinjogg 1775

This is Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki’s portrait of Jakob Gujer, made in the late 18th century with etching. Chodowiecki captures Gujer, also known as Kleinjogg, in profile, a man who championed agricultural reforms in Switzerland. But this wasn’t just about farming; it was about identity and progress. In the late 1700s, Europe buzzed with ideas of Enlightenment, and people started questioning old ways. Gujer was part of this wave, pushing for changes that would affect not just the land, but the lives of everyday people. Consider the weight of tradition versus the pull of modernity. How do we balance respecting the past with the need to evolve? Gujer chose to challenge norms, aiming for a future where farming could be more efficient and equitable. Chodowiecki’s portrait invites us to reflect on the courage it takes to advocate for change, and the lasting impact one person can have on society.