Portret van Gotthold Ephraim Lessing 1721 - 1771

Johann David Schleuen made this print of Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, but we can't say exactly when. The print gives us an insight into the public role of intellectuals in 18th-century Europe. Lessing was a philosopher and playwright during the Enlightenment in Germany. Here, he is depicted in an oval frame, suggesting a classical bust. His clothing reflects his social standing, while his powdered wig was typical among intellectual men. Prints like this one helped to circulate images of important thinkers, contributing to the formation of a public sphere. These images fostered dialogue and critique of the existing social and political norms. To understand this print fully, we delve into the history of the Enlightenment, the development of print culture, and the biography of Lessing himself. It’s by understanding these social and institutional contexts that we appreciate art's role in shaping intellectual and cultural life.