Portret van Friedrich Christian Lesser 1744

Johann Christoph Sysang created this print of Friedrich Christian Lesser around 1743. Lesser, a pastor, is presented here as an educated man of science, amidst objects relating to natural history. This engraving reflects the 18th-century tension between religious faith and the burgeoning scientific revolution. Lesser's identity as both a religious leader and a scholar of natural science is visualized through symbolic objects. The shells, insects, and skeletons point to his scientific pursuits, while his clerical garb and the books behind him signify his religious role. It’s a fascinating intersection of faith and reason, characteristic of the Enlightenment era, and suggests the period's attempts to reconcile empirical observation with religious doctrine. Such imagery raises questions about how individuals navigate differing cultural expectations. Lesser’s portrait encapsulates the period's attempt to synthesize diverse spheres of knowledge, mirroring the challenges of integrating personal beliefs with evolving societal understanding.