Hans Truchseß, Landvogt von Schwaben 

Philipp Winterwerb sketched "Hans Truchseß, Landvogt von Schwaben" in the 19th century, a historical figure from centuries prior. Winterwerb’s delicate pencil lines depict Hans Truchseß, a medieval Swabian official, in full armor. But this isn't just a portrait; it's a statement about identity and power. During the 1800s, Germany was grappling with questions of national identity and longing for a unified past. Artists like Winterwerb turned to historical figures like Truchseß, evoking a sense of ancestral pride and valor. This wasn't a neutral act. By idealizing medieval figures, artists often reinforced notions of heroism. The focus on powerful men in armor leaves out the voices and experiences of women and the working classes. Consider how this image might have resonated differently with those excluded from the dominant narrative. Winterwerb’s sketch invites us to consider how the past is selectively remembered and visually constructed. While the sketch romanticizes the past, it also reminds us to question whose stories are told and whose are left out.