Portret van Philipp Jakob Siebenpfeiffer c. 1829 - 1840

This is Johann Georg Nordheim’s portrait of Philipp Jakob Siebenpfeiffer, made sometime between 1804 and 1853. Siebenpfeiffer was a lawyer and a key figure in the Hambach Festival, a demonstration for democracy, unity, and freedom in Germany in 1832. The print offers insight into the visual culture surrounding political activism. Siebenpfeiffer is portrayed with a composed demeanor, dressed in the attire of a professional. This carefully constructed image was made for public circulation, to foster solidarity and recognition amongst fellow liberals. It is interesting to consider how images like this helped to construct and disseminate the identity of the liberal movement. They played a crucial role in shaping public perception and fostering a sense of collective identity during a time of significant political change.