Portret van graaf August Breunner-Enkevoirth Possibly 1880 - 1884

This portrait of Count August Breunner-Enkevoirth was created by an anonymous artist. Though we don't know the exact date, the style offers a glimpse into the visual culture and social hierarchies of its time. The Count’s clothing and pose speaks volumes about the construction of identity and power. He is adorned in what appears to be traditional garb, a statement perhaps about cultural pride, or a deliberate construction of identity rooted in heritage. Consider the male gaze, in this period portraits of men often emphasized power, intellect and status. The choice of attire, the confident stance, the background landscape - all serve to reinforce the Count's position within society. Yet, the anonymity of the artist raises questions. Who was this person, and what relationship did they have to their subject? The portrait invites us to consider not only the identity of the Count, but also the identity and the hand of the artist who remains unknown.