Dimensions: 139 mm (height) x 90 mm (width) (bladmaal)
This engraving by Meno Haas portrays Carl August Struensee von Carlsbach, a Prussian Minister of State. Encased in an oval frame, the portrait echoes the classical tradition of commemorative portraiture, intended to immortalize and ennoble the subject. Consider the symbolic weight of the oval itself – a shape suggestive of eggs, birth and continuity. It reminds me of the Roman tradition of portrait busts, where leaders were similarly framed to evoke admiration and respect. Yet, the very act of framing also speaks to the constructed nature of identity and the desire to control how one is remembered. Throughout history, portraits have served as powerful tools of propaganda and self-fashioning. This image reminds us of our tendency to idealize authority figures while also subconsciously questioning the authenticity of their portrayed image. The emotional resonance of such portraits lies in this complex interplay of admiration, curiosity and skepticism. This engraving is more than just an image; it is a mirror reflecting our ever-evolving understanding of power, legacy, and the human condition.
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