Johannes Ewald 1779

Terkel Kleve created this portrait of Johannes Ewald using engraving in the late 18th century. Kleve captures Ewald, the renowned Danish poet and playwright, in a moment of quiet reflection. Consider the historical backdrop: this was an era of revolution and enlightenment, where individuality and intellectualism were on the rise. Ewald, known for his dramatic and emotional works, lived a life marked by personal turmoil. His struggles with addiction and unrequited love resonate through his writings, mirroring the turbulent spirit of the times. This image develops an alternative narrative by portraying Ewald with a sense of vulnerability and introspection. Kleve invites us to consider the emotional complexities of a man who, through his art, captured the shifting cultural and intellectual landscape of his era.