Portret van Ewald Friedrich von Hertzberg 1792

Christian Bernhard Rode made this print of Ewald Friedrich von Hertzberg. While undated, it likely reflects the cultural and political milieu of 18th-century Europe. The print presents us with a portrait of Hertzberg. Below the portrait, a cherubic figure extends a laurel wreath, symbolizing honor and victory. The print blends classical symbolism with portraiture, common for commemorating influential figures during the Enlightenment. Hertzberg was a prominent statesman in the court of Frederick the Great. His identity was deeply intertwined with his role in Prussian politics and diplomacy. Rode's artistic choices in the print reflect Hertzberg's status. This representation served to reinforce the social hierarchy of the time. Consider how portraiture could immortalize individuals, shaping their legacy through carefully constructed images. How does this blend of the personal and the political in this print invite us to reflect on the construction of identity?