Portret van Christian Gotthilf Salzmann 1818 - 1832

This portrait of Christian Gotthilf Salzmann was created by Friedrich Wilhelm Bollinger, capturing the sitter in profile. Note how Salzmann’s gaze is directed towards the future. The image is framed in an octagonal shape, an unusual choice in portraiture, which evokes the idea of transitional spaces and in-between states. The profile view itself is a fascinating symbol. In ancient Roman portraiture, profiles were common on coins, associating the individual with the power and authority of the state. During the Renaissance, the profile was revived to evoke classical ideals, but in the context of this portrait, it creates a sense of detachment. Consider how this gaze echoes through history; from the busts of Roman emperors to the profiles found in Renaissance medals, these likenesses convey a sense of timelessness. The act of looking forward embodies a complex emotional tension.