Finessen-Seppl i halv figur 1822

This is Ernst Meyer’s etching, "Finessen-Seppl i halv figur”. Meyer, who lived from 1797 to 1861, created this piece at a time of significant social change in Europe, as traditional hierarchies were being questioned and new social identities were emerging. Here, Meyer presents us with a portrait of a man, Seppl, whose face is etched with the lines of age and experience. His somewhat formal attire, including what appears to be a high hat and decorated coat, hints at a certain social standing, yet there's also a sense of the performative, as though he is in costume. What does it mean to perform a social role, and how does one's identity become intertwined with such performances? Meyer seems to be asking these questions, inviting us to reflect on the complexities of identity and the roles we play in society. He captures an emotional truth—the negotiation between one's inner self and the outward presentation demanded by society.