Portret van Salomon Gessner 1792 - 1816

This is Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Müller’s portrait of Salomon Gessner, made in the early 19th century using etching and engraving techniques. During this period, portraiture served as a powerful tool for shaping public perception and solidifying social status. Gessner, a celebrated Swiss poet and artist, is depicted with a soft gaze and a gentle smile. His attire, while simple, speaks to his position as an intellectual. Yet, we might ask ourselves, what does it mean to immortalize someone in this way? As a cultural figure, Gessner embodies the values and ideals of his time, but his representation also reflects the power dynamics inherent in portraiture. Müller’s engraving captures Gessner's likeness, but it also invites us to reflect on the complexities of representation, identity, and the gaze. Ultimately, this portrait invites us to consider how we construct and preserve memory, both personal and collective.