Portret van Carl Gerd von Ketelhodt 1794

Johann Heinrich Lips created this print of Carl Gerd von Ketelhodt, a member of the German aristocracy, using etching and burin. The portrait, likely commissioned to commemorate Ketelhodt's status, offers a glimpse into the social hierarchy of the late 18th century. Lips situates Ketelhodt within a visual language of power, employing classical portraiture conventions to convey his subject's elevated social standing. Yet, what does it mean to visualize power? Ketelhodt's identity as a nobleman is intricately linked to inherited privilege, class status, and political influence. These systems often perpetuate inequality, reminding us that the celebration of individual achievement can sometimes mask structural injustices. Consider the emotional weight of inherited identity. Ketelhodt's serene expression belies the complex web of social expectations. This print serves as a reminder of how deeply intertwined personal identity is with broader socio-political forces.