Moses Mendelssohn c. 18th century

Curator: Looking at this rendering of Moses Mendelssohn by Johann Gotthard Müller, I immediately see an oval portrait, rendered with a somber, muted palette. Editor: Indeed, and Müller created this print to honor Mendelssohn's legacy within the context of late 18th century intellectual circles. The inscription below explicitly states his dedication to King Friedrich Wilhelm II. Curator: The details! Look at the almost clinical precision of the engraved lines that create the effect of light across Mendelssohn's face. It’s as if Müller seeks to capture not just a likeness, but also the subject's intellectual spirit. Editor: It certainly speaks to the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and rationality. The very act of memorializing Mendelssohn in this way was a political act, asserting his place in the cultural landscape. Curator: His gaze is penetrating. The artist uses light and shadow to great effect, drawing the eye toward those intelligent eyes. I find it quite moving. Editor: And it underscores the tensions of the period, between tradition and modernity, faith and reason, as Müller’s engraving served to both commemorate and elevate Mendelssohn's image in society.