Portret van Carl Eduard Pönitz 1855

Hanns Hanfstaengl created this portrait of Carl Eduard Pönitz with an engraving. The work gives us a glimpse into the visual culture of 19th-century Germany. Hanfstaengl, who came from a printing and photography dynasty, captured the likeness of Pönitz, likely a member of the Prussian military elite, judging by his uniform and decorations. The image, with its meticulous detail, creates meaning through established visual codes. Portraiture like this, produced in multiples, helped to solidify social hierarchies. Hanfstaengl’s family business played a role in shaping artistic tastes and promoting certain images of power. To fully understand this portrait, we can dig into the archives. Researching military records, genealogical information, and the history of photography in Germany could reveal the hidden social narratives behind this image. The meaning of art is always tied to its social and institutional context.