Hans Poulsen Egede 1752 - 1833

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print, etching, engraving

portrait

neoclacissism

print

etching

engraving

Dimensions 221 mm (height) x 158 mm (width) (bladmaal), 200 mm (height) x 137 mm (width) (plademaal), 178 mm (height) x 119 mm (width) (billedmaal)

This engraving by Meno Haas portrays Hans Poulsen Egede, framed within an oval, accompanied by books and inscriptions. Books, since antiquity, have been potent symbols. They represent knowledge, wisdom, and the transmission of ideas, here alluding to Egede's role as a scholar and missionary. Observe how the presentation of Egede within an oval frame—a classical motif reminiscent of portraiture—has evolved from ancient Roman busts to Renaissance depictions. The frame here isolates and elevates Egede, endowing him with a sense of timelessness and importance. Consider the psychological impact: the act of framing, of singling out a subject, invites the viewer to focus intently, to contemplate the individual's significance. This effect, rooted in our subconscious, is a powerful force that has resonated through centuries of portraiture, engaging viewers on a deep, emotional level. The persistent recurrence of this motif, constantly resurfacing and adapting, illustrates the non-linear progression of symbols through time.