Portret van Susanna Hermina Spakler-Scholten c. 1834 - 1844

Here we see Christian Heinrich Gottlieb Steuerwald's pencil drawing of Susanna Hermina Spakler-Scholten. The subject's gaze is directed slightly off, a subtle gesture that suggests a reflective depth. Her shawl, knotted at the front, could be a Roman knot, a symbol that has traversed centuries. Consider how such a knot appears in ancient Roman portraiture, often associated with virtues of fidelity and domesticity. It is more than mere decoration, it is a silent conveyor of cultural memory. In Steuerwald’s drawing, the knot echoes classical virtues, yet the context has shifted. It speaks to the evolving role of women in society, carrying forward echoes of the past, while embracing new identities. The emotional resonance of the portrait lies in its quietness. It connects to our subconscious understanding of inherited ideals, evoking a sense of continuity between generations. This portrait isn't just about Susanna; it’s a tableau of shared human experiences, a thread in the grand tapestry of cultural history.