Portret van Franz Xaver Jellenz 1795

This print of Franz Xaver Jellenz was created by Christoph-Wilhelm Bock. The work offers a glimpse into the visual culture of its time. Consider the context: the late 18th century was a period defined by rigid social hierarchies and cultural norms. As such, portraiture served not just as a depiction but as a statement of social status, illustrating the sitter’s identity within a very specific cultural framework. Note how Jellenz is rendered in profile, a style that recalls classical antiquity, laden with associations of power and nobility. How might this idealized image relate to his actual identity and experiences? Is the portrait perpetuating traditional representations or attempting to forge alternative narratives? Through this image, Bock invites us to reflect on the intricate dance between representation and reality, selfhood and society.