Bildnis des August von Kotzebue 

This is Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Müller's portrait of August von Kotzebue. Kotzebue was a figure who lived in a time of immense political and social transformation. His prolific writings reflect the turbulent intellectual landscape of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Kotzebue was a playwright and writer, but he also served as a diplomat in Russia. His work often explored themes of social order, morality, and the individual's role within society. However, Kotzebue’s conservative views and criticism of liberal movements made him a controversial figure. In 1819, he was assassinated by a student, Karl Sand, who saw him as a traitor to German nationalism. Müller's portrait captures Kotzebue’s likeness, but it also hints at the complexities of his character. There's a sense of formality, yet the eyes seem to hold a certain vulnerability, a glimpse into the man behind the public persona. The portrait serves not only as a depiction of an individual but as a mirror reflecting the political tensions of a society on the cusp of profound change.