Portret van Johann Burkard Geiger 1792

This is a portrait of Johann Burkard Geiger made with etching around 1790 by Christoph-Wilhelm Bock. Enclosed in a perfect circle, Geiger's profile reminds us of ancient Roman portraiture, a common motif during the Enlightenment, symbolizing rationality. Consider the circle; it’s a symbol that transcends time and cultures. From mandalas in Eastern traditions representing the universe, to the Ouroboros, the snake eating its own tail, signifying eternal return. It suggests completeness, unity, and the cyclical nature of existence. The profile view also carries weight. In antiquity, it was a way to immortalize leaders and thinkers on coins and medals. This pose suggests a desire to capture not just a likeness, but the essence of the individual, their intellectual and social standing. Note how the gaze is directed forward, conveying a sense of purpose. These motifs echo through centuries, reminding us of our shared human experiences and aspirations.