Johanniter-orde 1875 - 1900

Peter Clausing created this photograph, Johanniter-Orde, which measures 55 by 42 cm. The photograph presents a formal arrangement, dominated by the symmetrical display of the Johanniter-Orde uniform. Clausing carefully stages the composition, emphasizing the texture of the fabric and the stark contrast between the dark uniform and the white insignia. This meticulous detailing evokes a sense of order and precision. The uniform, rendered in shades of grey, becomes a study in semiotics. Each button, stripe, and emblem acts as a signifier, pointing to the values and structure of the Johanniter-Orde. Clausing's choice to present the uniform on a mannequin rather than a person disrupts traditional portraiture. It invites us to consider the uniform not merely as clothing but as a symbol of institutional power. Ultimately, the photograph functions as a visual text, inviting ongoing interpretation and reflection on the complex interplay between identity, representation, and cultural values.