Johan Herman Wessel 1755 - 1791

Marie Jeanne Clemens created this print of Johan Herman Wessel in 1786. It presents a striking profile of the prominent writer, showcasing the artistic conventions of late 18th-century portraiture within the context of Danish cultural life. Consider the engraver's technique, which uses fine lines to build up tone and texture. This approach not only captures Wessel's likeness but also evokes the intellectual atmosphere of the Enlightenment. Copenhagen during this period saw a flourishing of arts and letters, often supported by royal patronage and institutions like the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. Clemens, as a woman artist navigating this landscape, would have been keenly aware of the social dynamics at play within these institutions. To truly understand the print, one might delve into archival materials, exploring the exhibition records of the time, the correspondence of artists and intellectuals, and the critical reception of Wessel's work. The meaning of art lies not just in the image itself, but in the web of social and institutional relationships that bring it into being.