Portret van Isaak Iselin 1759 - 1815

Heinrich Pfenninger made this portrait of Isaak Iselin, likely sometime around 1800, using engraving. This image provides a fascinating glimpse into the visual codes and social hierarchies of 18th-century Europe. The powdered wig, the formal attire, and the profile pose all signal Iselin’s status as a man of importance and intellect in Switzerland. But what does it mean to be enlightened? Iselin's dress and bearing suggest a certain degree of conservatism, of adherence to established norms. Yet the very act of commissioning and circulating a portrait suggests a desire for recognition, for a place in the public sphere of letters and ideas. Historians can consult period sources like letters and publications to find the answers. By examining the image in its historical context, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex interplay of social, political, and cultural forces that shaped the art of the Enlightenment.