Portret van Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz 1781 - 1827

Carl Frosch created this portrait of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz in the 18th century using engraving. Leibniz, a prominent figure of the Enlightenment, was a philosopher, mathematician, and political advisor, deeply engaged with the intellectual currents of his time. This portrait captures Leibniz in a manner befitting his status. Yet, representations like these were carefully constructed, projecting an image of authority that was as performative as it was reflective of actual power. The elaborate wig, the formal attire, and the composed expression speak to the visual language of status. It invites us to consider who has historically had the privilege of representation and how these images shape our understanding of history. As you gaze at this portrait, consider the layers of identity and representation at play. How does it feel to encounter a figure from the past mediated through the artistic conventions of his era?