Portret van Gottlieb Wilhelm Rabener 1731 - 1788

This print portrays Gottlieb Wilhelm Rabener, and was made by Johann Esaias Nilson. A highly structured composition presents a bust of Rabener atop a classical pedestal, immediately framing him within a tradition of intellectual and cultural authority. Nilson uses the visual language of allegory through symbolic figures and details. An angel and satyr flank the bust, embodying the duality of Rabener’s satirical work: the angelic representing virtue and enlightenment, the satyr embodying the comedic and critical spirit. The use of line and form is particularly striking, as Nilson employs meticulous hatching to define the textures of stone and flesh, which adds depth and volume to the otherwise monochrome palette. The arrangement destabilizes established meanings, challenging viewers to reconcile Rabener's critical satire with classical ideals. This interplay highlights the complex relationship between tradition and innovation.