Buste van een man met een steek op, in profiel naar links 1770 - 1825

Simon Andreas Krausz rendered this intimate portrait with black chalk during a time of significant social and political transformation. Born in the mid-18th century, Krausz navigated a world of shifting class structures and revolutionary ideas. The man in this drawing, depicted in profile, is distinguished by his 'steek' hat, a symbol of status and belonging. This detail situates him within a particular social milieu, one that valued outward displays of identity. What does it mean to wear your identity so literally, so visibly? Krausz’s skilled handling of the chalk brings a sense of immediacy to the work, inviting us to consider the individual behind the markers of social standing. Instead of glorifying the sitter, Krausz subtly explores the tension between personal identity and social role, reflecting the era’s evolving relationship between the individual and society. His sensitive approach asks us to reflect on how we, too, construct our identities.