Portret van August Friedrich Ferdinand von Kotzebue 1775 - 1840

This print, made by Ernst Ludwig Riepenhausen, depicts August Friedrich Ferdinand von Kotzebue. Kotzebue was a German dramatist and writer who lived from 1761 to 1819. Prints like this were often commissioned by wealthy patrons or institutions to commemorate important figures or events, playing a crucial role in shaping public perception. Consider the cultural context: Kotzebue was a controversial figure, known for his conservative views and opposition to liberal and nationalist movements in early 19th-century Germany. His plays often reinforced traditional social hierarchies. The image creates meaning through visual codes, like the stern facial expression, associated with authority. It serves as a reminder of the power of imagery to influence public opinion and perpetuate social norms. To fully understand this print, one might consult historical archives, literary criticism, and biographical sources. By doing so we can better understand the complex interplay between art, politics, and society in 19th-century Europe.