Young Man with Hat under Arm 1784

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki made this engraving, "Young Man with Hat under Arm," at a time when European society was deeply structured by class. Consider the young man's attire: the powdered wig, the tailored coat, and buckled shoes, all signs of wealth and status. The way he carries himself, his posture, and even the landscape behind him reflect the artificiality and order valued by the aristocracy. Chodowiecki, however, was not born into this world. As a member of the growing middle class, he captures this image with a critical eye. What does it mean to perform this kind of identity? Is it empowering or constricting? Perhaps Chodowiecki's print invites us to reflect on the roles we play and the expectations we carry, questioning how much of our identity is truly our own.