Fotoreproductie van een portret van Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy door Carl Jaeger c. 1865 - 1875

Here is a photographic reproduction of a portrait of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy by Carl Jaeger. Though undated, we can situate the portrait in the 19th century, a time when photography was becoming an increasingly popular medium for portraiture, offering a new way to capture and disseminate images of individuals. Portraits such as this served to solidify the status and legacy of figures like Mendelssohn. As a celebrated composer from a prominent Jewish family, Mendelssohn navigated the complex social landscape of 19th century Europe, where his talent was both celebrated and challenged by antisemitic sentiments. This image invites us to consider the relationship between identity, representation, and social acceptance. The portrait attempts to capture the essence of Mendelssohn, his contribution to classical music, and the tension between his cultural heritage and the dominant social norms of his time.