Portret van Johann Caspar Haefeli 1768 - 1817

This is Johann Heinrich Lips' portrait of Johann Caspar Haefeli, a theologian from Bremen. This finely detailed engraving offers us a glimpse into the visual culture of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Considered through the lens of identity, the portrait encapsulates the values and ideals of its time, an era marked by the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason, individualism, and the rising influence of the middle class. Haefeli’s stern, composed profile and the precision of Lips’ engraving speaks to the importance of reputation, intellect, and social standing during this period. It invites us to consider the role of religious figures within the societal structures of the time. The work remains a testament to how portraiture can offer a window into the lives and values of individuals and the societies in which they lived. It subtly challenges us to reflect on our own values and how we present ourselves to the world.