Friederike Brun 1820 - 1843

This is an undated print of Friederike Brun, made by an anonymous artist. Brun was a Danish-German writer who moved in the highest social circles of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The image reflects the sitter's status through the accoutrements of high society, with great attention paid to her elaborate bonnet and elegant lace ruff. It’s fascinating to consider the role of portraiture within the structures of social power. Likenesses of leading cultural figures like Brun reinforced their position and influence, operating within a network of patronage and social capital. In order to fully appreciate this portrait, we need to explore the milieu in which it was made and consumed, examining journals and letters of the time, and studying the social networks of its subjects. This will allow us to understand the role of art in reflecting, and also shaping, the social and institutional structures of its time.