Portret van Johann Jakob Hottinger 1803 - 1819

Martin Esslinger created this portrait of Johann Jakob Hottinger, a professor and canon in Zurich, using etching techniques. Esslinger, working in the early 19th century, situated himself within a society undergoing significant transformation, influenced by Enlightenment ideals and the rise of Romanticism. Portraits like this offer a glimpse into the construction of identity and status during this period. As a professor and canon, Hottinger occupied a position of intellectual and religious authority. Esslinger's portrait captures Hottinger's likeness and signifies his social standing through formal attire and composed demeanor. The emotional content of the work is subtle. Hottinger's expression is neutral, almost stoic, reflecting the values of rationality and restraint associated with his roles. Yet, there is a certain depth in his gaze that suggests the inner life of a scholar dedicated to his work. This image stands as a cultural artifact, reflecting both the personal identity of its subject and the broader societal values of 19th-century Zurich.