Johan Frederik Struensee 

Christian August Lorentzen painted this portrait of Johan Frederik Struensee, and it showcases symbols of power and status common in its time. Struensee’s powdered wig, a signifier of wealth and nobility, connects him to a long line of European aristocracy. Consider how this very wig has evolved from functional necessity to high fashion, reappearing in different forms, even today. Think of the towering hairstyles in royal portraits throughout history, or even the elaborate punk hairstyles of the late 20th century – each a declaration of identity. There is a deeper, subconscious yearning for recognition and belonging. The very act of adorning oneself, transforming one’s appearance, is a powerful psychological assertion. The image invites us to reflect on how symbols of power, like this wig, are in perpetual motion. It is a continuous cycle of adoption, adaptation, and reinvention, reminding us that cultural memory is never truly static.