Portret van Hans, Freiherr von und zu Aufsess 1850 - 1914

This is Christian Riedt’s portrait of Hans, Freiherr von und zu Aufsess. Riedt captures Aufsess in a moment of repose, his gaze thoughtful, with the trappings of aristocracy evident in his attire. Consider the historical context: Germany in the 19th century, a period marked by burgeoning nationalism and a romanticized view of its past. Aufsess was a key figure in this movement, as the founder of the Germanisches Nationalmuseum in Nuremberg, aimed at preserving German cultural artifacts. The portrait presents a man of privilege, yet it invites us to think critically about cultural preservation. Whose culture is being preserved, and at whose expense? How does the act of collecting and displaying artifacts shape national identity, and what narratives are included or excluded? The portrait serves as a powerful reminder of the complex relationship between identity, history, and the narratives we choose to uphold. It prompts us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in cultural institutions and their role in shaping our understanding of the past.