Gesneuvelde Frederik Willem Brunswijk-Lüneburg-Oels, 16 juni 1815 1815 - 1816

Curator: This print, dating from 1815 to 1816, captures the likeness of Frederik Willem of Brunswick-Lüneburg-Oels shortly after his death on June 16th, 1815. The piece is attributed to Reinier Vinkeles and exemplifies neoclassical printmaking of the era. Editor: The upward gaze and slightly tilted head give it the feel of a martyr portrait, despite being rendered in these very fine lines. It almost looks like he's consciously directing our thoughts heavenward, and that’s before you even know the circumstances. Curator: Indeed. These depictions often served a specific political purpose. Brunswijk-Lüneburg-Oels died leading his troops two days before the Battle of Waterloo, at the Battle of Quatre Bras. The image aims to commemorate and, perhaps, even sanctify his sacrifice in the fight against Napoleonic forces. Editor: Absolutely. Consider the soft, dappled background. It creates this almost dreamlike atmosphere, evoking the classic image of the heroic soul departing the earth. He wears the uniform of a soldier, reminding us he was, above all, a protector. The symbols are not subtle, but they’re effective. Curator: The choice of print, specifically engraving, as the medium here is also significant. Engravings allowed for mass production and dissemination, which was crucial for propagating a specific image and narrative about a leader, influencing public memory and cementing his legacy within the broader historical context of the Napoleonic Wars. Editor: What resonates for me is that it is very affecting in its idealized imagery, yet it also delivers an unsettling emotional punch about death and remembrance that seems very genuine and intimate. I would never expect a print of this style to touch me this deeply. Curator: The work invites us to consider how public images are constructed to shape perceptions of historical figures. By exploring the various social and political contexts, we come to recognize it as both an artistic achievement and a culturally significant historical document. Editor: Looking closer at the texture, light and shade in his clothing, it definitely carries echoes from much older classical artistic styles, linking the values of the day to much earlier cultural touchstones and heroes. A nice way to give cultural gravitas to Brunswick-Luneburg-Oels' memory!