Portret van Christian Furchtegott Gellert 1772

This is Jacob Houbraken's portrait of Christian Furchtegott Gellert, made with engraving. This piece, like many portraits of its time, captures the sitter's likeness, while subtly broadcasting his status and education. Houbraken, working in the 18th century, navigated a society of strict social hierarchies. Gellert, a prominent writer and professor, would have been part of a small, privileged class. The powdered wig, the delicate lace, and the formal pose all speak to this privilege. It's easy to see the influence of Enlightenment ideals in the precise lines of the engraving, reflecting a world that valued reason and order. The identity of the sitter becomes central here; this is less about emotional depth and more about public persona. Portraits like these served as a form of social currency. They helped solidify one's place in society and contributed to a visual record of the elite. The frame around Gellert’s likeness, adorned with foliage, further suggests Gellert's refined tastes. As you look at this image, consider what it tells us about who was deemed worthy of representation and how artists participated in shaping these perceptions.