Portret van Lodewijk IV de Beier 1797

This engraving of Louis IV, Holy Roman Emperor, was created by Christoph-Wilhelm Bock in 1797. Bock was working within a tradition of portraiture that often served to legitimize power, but here he revisits a historical figure from the early 14th century, inviting us to reflect on the nature of leadership across time. The portrait aestheticizes Louis IV, softening the image of a man who was embroiled in political and military conflicts. Encased in armor, Louis’ identity is both protected and restricted by his position. This dual nature perhaps reflects the complexities of leadership, where personal identity is often subsumed by the role one plays in society. Bock's work prompts us to consider how historical figures are remembered and reimagined through art. How do images like these reinforce or challenge our understanding of power, identity, and history?