Portret van Gustav Gans zu Putlitz

This is Hermann Sagert's lithographic portrait of Gustav Gans zu Putlitz. Sagert who was active in the mid-19th century in Germany, was working in a society undergoing significant political and social transformation. Portraits like these served to immortalize the sitter, reinforcing class and social status. Note the formality of Putlitz's attire, the precision of the lines, and the attention to detail. What can be missed however is the lack of diversity and representation in the art world at this time. Whose stories were deemed worthy of representation, and whose were systematically excluded? Consider the power dynamics inherent in portraiture. Sagert's image of Putlitz, captures the ideals and values of a specific social class, inviting us to reflect on the complexities of identity, representation, and the unspoken narratives embedded within visual culture.