G. F. Hetsch 1855

This is L.A. Kornerup’s lithograph of G. F. Hetsch. Notice the sitter’s attire – a dark jacket and intricately tied cravat, signifying status and formality characteristic of the 19th century bourgeoisie. Consider the cravat, a seemingly simple piece of fabric. Yet, its knotted form echoes the ancient Hercules knot, a symbol of binding and commitment, reappearing across time from Roman marriage ceremonies to heraldic emblems. It speaks of connections, obligations, and the complex ties that bind individuals within society. The stoic expression etched on Hetsch’s face also mirrors the Roman tradition of portraiture, intended to convey seriousness and gravitas. These facial expressions are charged with the weight of history, tapping into subconscious associations of authority, and inviting us to contemplate the legacy of individuals and the echoes of the past in our present. This lithograph makes us confront the recurring motifs of human identity.