Johannes Ewald 1779

Terkel Kleve etched this portrait of Johannes Ewald using engraving on copper. The oval frame, adorned with ribbons, invites us into a world where art and life intertwine. Ewald, pen in hand, gazes towards an unseen muse, embodying the romantic ideal of the poet as a visionary. But let us look closer at the pen. It is not merely an instrument of writing but a symbol of creativity and power. Consider the ancient Egyptian scribe, stylus in hand, recording the annals of history. Now juxtapose it with the medieval monk, quill pen poised above parchment, illuminating sacred texts. This simple tool carries the weight of centuries, evolving from a symbol of administrative authority to one of spiritual insight. Ewald’s contemplative posture evokes a deep, psychological connection. The image taps into our collective memory, where the act of creation transcends time and place, engaging us on a subconscious level. We recognise the romantic author as a figure of intense intellectual and emotional power, a figure which has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.