Portret van Hendrik I de Vogelaar, Duits koning 1795

Christoph-Wilhelm Bock created this print of Hendrik I de Vogelaar, German King, using etching. Looking at this portrait, consider the power of representation and how historical figures are visually constructed across time. Hendrik I, who lived in the 9th century, is presented here through the lens of a much later era. Bock, or his patron, likely aimed to connect with the legacy and symbolism associated with Hendrik I, a figure central to German identity and statehood. The choice to depict Hendrik I in a turban-like headwear might reflect 18th-century orientalist fantasies rather than historical accuracy. This aesthetic decision invites us to think about how cultural perceptions and biases shape the representation of historical figures. What does it mean to see a medieval German king styled with perceived Eastern attributes? It prompts questions about the cultural exchange, misinterpretation, and the exoticization of the 'other.' Ultimately, this portrait serves as a reminder that historical images are not neutral records; they are interpretations imbued with the values and perspectives of their own time.