Portret van Karl August Ragotzky 1785 - 1858

This engraving, made by Friedrich Rossmässler, depicts Karl August Ragotzky in profile. The profile, a convention dating back to ancient coins and cameos, presents more than just a likeness; it embodies a claim to enduring legacy. Consider the powdered wig, a symbol of status and intellect during the 18th century, not unlike the laurel wreaths adorning Roman emperors. This seemingly simple detail connects Ragotzky to a lineage of power and prestige, evoking a sense of timeless authority. Just as classical sculptures were copied and reinterpreted throughout the Renaissance, the gesture of the profile portrait resurfaces across centuries, each time imbued with new layers of meaning. Yet, beneath the veneer of elegance, one senses a tension—a silent dialogue between the sitter's inner self and the external projection of power. It is this interplay, this oscillation between surface and depth, that continues to captivate us, reminding us of the cyclical nature of history and the enduring power of images to evoke complex emotions across time.