Zelfportret als toneelspeler in de rol van Peter Leberwurst 1610 - 1632

Hans Ammon created this etching, titled ‘Self-Portrait as an Actor in the Role of Peter Leberwurst,’ sometime before his death in 1632. The figure dominates the composition, his exaggerated form and theatrical garb immediately seizing our attention. The stark contrast between light and shadow, achieved through dense cross-hatching, gives a tactile, almost sculptural quality to the rendering. The portrait presents us with a figure embodying duality. Ammon's attire, notably his oversized hat and ruffled collar, mark him as an actor, a performer of identity. Yet, the inscription tells us he is not just any actor but Peter Leberwurst, a specific character. The artwork challenges the idea of a fixed identity and invites a dialogue about the self as a constructed role, performed and perceived through the lens of societal expectations. This interplay of identity and performance resonates even today, reminding us that our selves are multifaceted creations, constantly shaped by the roles we play.