Portret van Christian von Mechel 1787

Johann Jakob von Mechel made this print of Christian von Mechel, a fellow engraver and politician, likely in Switzerland. The image itself performs a very specific kind of social work. Here we see a portrait of a man who is at once an artist, a member of various academies, and a senator. It's not surprising that an artist would celebrate such an individual. In societies still governed by aristocratic norms, recognition from above was often essential for patronage and career advancement. So, the image serves as a kind of thank you note for services rendered. However, the print also subtly critiques the art world. Christian von Mechel's status as a senator suggests that true value lies outside the studio, within the sphere of public service. To fully understand this image, further investigation of the Mechel family and Swiss political structures in the late 18th century would be needed. Only then can we appreciate the complex interplay of artistic production, social status, and political power.