Johannes Boesen 1811 - 1879

Peter Gemzøe created this print of Johannes Boesen, capturing the likeness of a man who lived during a time of significant social and political change in Denmark. Boesen’s stern gaze and the somber tones of the print invite us to consider his place in society. The attire, a simple cap and a dark, double-breasted coat, speaks to a certain level of respectability, yet avoids the ostentation of the aristocracy. We might consider this image as a study in the representation of middle-class identity during the 19th century, a period when such identities were being forged and negotiated. Gemzøe’s print offers us a glimpse into the emotional landscape of a man living through a rapidly changing world. It serves not only as a historical record but also as an intimate portrayal of a man’s interior life, inviting us to reflect on our own experiences of change and identity.