Portret van Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz 1756 - 1819

This engraving of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, was created by Gottlob August Liebe. The circular frame immediately calls to mind ancient Roman portraiture, encapsulating the sitter in a timeless form, reminiscent of coins immortalizing emperors. The elaborate wig, cascades in a way that echoes the flowing locks of classical deities or even the sun’s radiant corona, is a symbol of status. This wig, however, is more than mere fashion. It serves as a potent signifier of intellect, of a mind teeming with knowledge and sophistication. Throughout history, hair has been depicted as a powerful symbol of status and intellectual prowess, from the biblical Samson to Renaissance depictions of philosophers. The powdered wig of Leibniz's time is part of this lineage, yet it also embodies a tension between artifice and authenticity. We see echoes of this tension in contemporary society, where symbols of intelligence and power are often carefully constructed and curated. This portrait engages us on a deeply subconscious level, tapping into our collective memory of the symbols of authority and knowledge. It reminds us that these symbols are always evolving, reflecting the changing values and anxieties of each new era.