Portret van Wilhelm Sebastian von Belling 1780

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki created this print of Wilhelm Sebastian von Belling, a Lieutenant General of the Prussian Cavalry. It was made in a period where enlightenment ideals began to challenge traditional hierarchies, yet aristocratic power remained pronounced. Consider how Belling, as a high-ranking military figure, embodies authority in 18th-century Prussia. His elaborate uniform, complete with frogging, emphasizes his status and role in a society defined by military strength and aristocratic privilege. Yet, the softer rendering of his facial features suggests an attempt to humanize him, moving away from solely portraying him as a symbol of power. How does this image reflect the negotiation between the individual and their social role? It is a visual representation of identity, shaped by societal expectations and personal character.