Portret van Joachim Ludvig Phister als een Joodse man uit Gjenboerne c. 1862 - 1872

Harald Paetz created this small portrait of Joachim Ludvig Phister as a Jewish man from Gjenboerne. This staged photograph reflects 19th-century theatrical traditions, where identity and representation often intersected with stereotypes. Phister, a well-known actor, is seen here in character, embodying a role that relies on constructed notions of Jewish identity. This image invites us to consider the ways in which theater, and photography, can perpetuate or challenge societal biases. The emotional depth of Phister’s portrayal is palpable, even as it is mediated through layers of costume and performance. How does this depiction reflect or challenge the lived experiences of Jewish people in Denmark at the time? This image makes us question the power dynamics inherent in representation, and the responsibility of artists in shaping cultural narratives.