Portrait of Scheppeg 

Carl Hoff sketched "Portrait of Scheppeg" using graphite on paper sometime in the 19th century. Hoff, born in Germany, lived through a period of significant social and political transformation. During this era, portraiture was closely linked to social status and identity. A portrait was more than just a likeness; it communicated a sitter's position in society, their values, and their aspirations. Scheppeg’s formal attire indicates his place in the middle or upper class of the time. Although the man is dressed in clothes indicative of the time period, his eyes appear to be slightly critical of the viewer. We can see that Hoff attempts to capture not just the physical appearance, but hints at the personality of the individual. The quick sketch has an emotional intimacy that makes you feel like you know the man in the portrait. In its creation and reception, this quiet piece reflects a society grappling with changing notions of identity and representation.