Portret van August Wilhelm Antonius Neidhardt von Gneisenau 1813 - 1825

Friedrich Wilhelm Bollinger created this portrait of August Wilhelm Antonius Neidhardt von Gneisenau as an engraving. The image is dominated by the subject's military attire and the prominent medal worn on his chest. This medal, likely signifying bravery or service to the state, links to other symbols of power and status throughout history, from ancient Roman emperors depicted with laurel wreaths to Renaissance monarchs adorned with jewels and emblems. Consider how such symbols evolve—the laurel becomes the crown, the medal the modern military decoration. Each iteration carries a weight of collective memory, subconsciously evoking notions of authority, achievement, and the complex relationship between the individual and the state. The stern gaze of von Gneisenau, combined with these symbols, evokes a powerful, almost archetypal figure, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. This symbol of authority isn't linear; it resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings, shaped by shifting cultural and historical contexts.