Portret van Gottfried August Bürger 1840 - 1855

Editor: This is a print titled "Portret van Gottfried August Bürger," created sometime between 1840 and 1855 by Friedrich Fleischmann, housed right here at the Rijksmuseum. It's quite striking – a very formal, almost severe portrait. What's your take on this, from an art history perspective? Curator: Well, framed by the neoclassical style, this portrait invites us to think about the construction of identity during the 19th century. It reflects the sitter's status but also points to the power dynamics inherent in portraiture. How might Bürger, as a prominent figure, have been consciously shaping his image? Editor: That's interesting. I hadn't considered the element of self-construction. The engraving style and rigid pose almost seem to erase any hint of personality. Curator: Precisely. Consider also the rise of nationalism during this period. Portraits like these were often instrumental in crafting a shared cultural heritage. Does the image suggest any elements of class or privilege that are worth noting? Editor: Definitely his attire - the elaborate jabot, the tailored coat - speaks volumes about his social standing. Was this a deliberate choice to reinforce existing power structures? Curator: I think that's a crucial point. Artists and patrons both participated in a visual language that reinforced hierarchies, though figures like Bürger were also involved in questioning societal norms. And prints, specifically, played an interesting role by broadening access to images while solidifying cultural narratives. What's your feeling on how the act of printing influences who got to have their portrait made? Editor: It democratizes it somewhat, but still reinforces importance, in that one is selected. I see it a little differently now. Curator: Indeed. By questioning whose stories are told and how they are visually represented, we can unravel deeper layers of meaning embedded within these seemingly straightforward portraits.