Portret van Jean-Philippe de Cheseaux 1759 - 1815

Heinrich Pfenninger created this portrait of Jean-Philippe de Cheseaux using etching techniques. Born in Zurich, Pfenninger lived during a time of significant social and political upheaval, marked by Enlightenment ideals and growing bourgeois identity. As we look at this image we can see how portraiture was critical for solidifying social status and projecting an image of refinement and intellect. This engraving makes those aspirations more widely accessible. De Cheseaux, depicted here, was a Swiss astronomer, an intellectual who would have occupied a unique space in society. Pfenninger has depicted de Cheseaux in a way that emphasizes his status. The portrait has an intimate, almost soft quality, inviting the viewer into his world. It maintains traditional representations of class and intellect, while providing an alternative narrative through the intimacy of its style. This portrait offers a glimpse into the complex interplay between individual identity and societal expectations. It reflects the emotional and personal dimensions of representation in an era defined by shifting social structures.