Portret van Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Held 1840 - 1855

This is a print of Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Held, made by G. Metzeroth using an unspecified method. Prints like these were widely circulated in 19th-century Europe, serving as a means of disseminating images of prominent figures. Held's serious gaze and formal attire speak to the importance of the individual depicted, likely a person of some standing in society. Prints played a crucial role in shaping public perception, contributing to the cult of personality around political figures. Analyzing this print involves understanding the social and political context in which it was produced. Who was Held? What role did he play in society? Was Metzeroth's print commissioned, and if so, by whom? Historical sources like newspapers, letters, and institutional records would help us understand the purpose and reception of images like this. By examining the print within its social and institutional context, we can gain a deeper understanding of the politics of imagery and the public role of art in 19th-century Europe.