Portret van Johann Peter Uz 1790

Christoph-Wilhelm Bock created this print of Johann Peter Uz around 1790. Bock’s portrait immortalizes Uz, a prominent figure of the German Enlightenment. Think about how the Enlightenment sought to define the individual. This portrait, with its formal composition, reflects the era’s focus on reason and the public sphere. Yet, there is an intimacy to the rendering of Uz. Bock captures a certain warmth in his subject's expression, offering a glimpse into Uz’s character. The inscription, which translates to "Drawn and engraved from life," suggests a commitment to capturing the true essence of the man. Consider how this print, as a reproduction, circulates and disseminates Uz’s image and ideas. What does it mean to preserve and promote the likeness of an individual through art? This portrait invites us to reflect on the enduring power of images and the stories they tell about identity, legacy, and the cultural values we choose to uphold.