Portret van Johann Ludwig Klüber 1797

Christoph-Wilhelm Bock created this print of Johann Ludwig Klüber, whose date is unknown, using etching. It depicts a man in profile, his gaze fixed and serious, a symbol of authority in his powdered wig and formal attire. Prints like these gained popularity during the Enlightenment, a time when there was a growing interest in portraying individuals of note – particularly those involved in law and governance, like Klüber, a professor. This image is more than just a portrait; it reflects the era’s emphasis on reason, order, and the celebration of human intellect. It echoes the values of a society undergoing significant change, where knowledge and scholarship were increasingly valued and immortalized through art. Consider how such representations reinforced existing power structures, defining who was deemed worthy of depiction. It’s a snapshot of a world in transition, capturing both its aspirations and its inherent biases.