Portret van Carl Friedrich Solbrig 1838 - 1858

This is Friedrich Rossmässler’s portrait of Carl Friedrich Solbrig. Engraved, the print gives us a glimpse into the world of early 19th-century German society, marked by significant cultural and political shifts as Europe recovered from war. Solbrig, born in Leipzig in 1775, is depicted with the trappings of middle-class respectability: a dark coat, a high white collar, and neatly styled hair. The lyre and foliage beneath his name suggest Solbrig was likely a musician or someone involved in the arts. Consider the cultural context: while class structures remained rigid, the rise of the bourgeoisie allowed individuals like Solbrig to gain recognition and status through their professions. Rossmässler's portrait is not just an image of an individual, it also reflects the changing social landscape of the time. It offers a window into the hopes and aspirations of a society in transition.