Portret van Friedrich Christoph Schlosser 1833 - 1895

Editor: Here we have a portrait of Friedrich Christoph Schlosser, dating sometime between 1833 and 1895. It's an engraving, currently held at the Rijksmuseum. I'm struck by the formality, and perhaps a touch of melancholy in his expression. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Well, firstly, I see a chap who takes himself quite seriously, wouldn't you say? There's a certain gravitas etched into the lines of his face – lines likely mirrored by the countless books he poured over. As a historian and writer himself, I imagine he possessed a deep well of contemplation. Being an engraving, it captures not just the physical likeness, but also perhaps aims to depict an intellectual air through very deliberate craftsmanship, reflecting the Romantic era's reverence for profound thought and character. Editor: So, the choice of engraving adds to that sense of seriousness? It feels more…official, somehow? Curator: Exactly. An engraving allowed for meticulous detail. This was a deliberate decision. It emphasizes a certain ideal of portraiture, almost as a monument to Schlosser's mind, his achievements. Are we looking simply at an image, or an homage? It makes you wonder what stories he sought to unearth. Editor: I didn't consider the deliberate nature of the medium itself. I suppose, now, the detail makes it feel more like a careful construction of his image, not just a likeness. Thanks for your time! Curator: A pleasure. Next time you see a portrait, consider not only the subject, but also the means by which they were immortalized – you'll discover new narratives entirely.