Bildnis eines alten Mannes nach links in einem Medaillon mit Schmuckband c. 1773

Januarius Zick rendered this portrait of an old man in a medallion with ink, a classical form that echoes ancient Roman portraiture. The medallion format itself is pregnant with meaning, evoking the Roman "imago clipeata," portraits of ancestors carried in processions, embodying familial and civic pride. Note how this echoes in Renaissance portrait medals, designed to immortalize and celebrate individuals. The decorative ribbon adorning the top is reminiscent of ancient wreaths bestowed upon heroes. The circular shape suggests eternity and completeness, emphasizing the enduring nature of memory. But here, the old man's furrowed brow and the gentle downward turn of his lips convey a sense of vulnerability. The artist skillfully captures the weight of years, reminding us that time inevitably leaves its mark, a memento mori. Consider how the act of memorializing figures—be it emperors, saints, or elders—serves as an attempt to transcend mortality. This portrait, with its classical allusions, is not merely a likeness but a poignant reflection on human existence, a testament to the cyclical dance of life and death.