Portret van Friedericus Hoffmann 1772 - 1834

This is Ambrosius Gabler’s portrait of Friedericus Hoffmann. We don't know the date it was made, but Gabler lived from 1762 to 1834. Hoffmann, with his elaborate wig and formal attire, is cast in a light that speaks to his status and profession, a common visual language used for men of importance during this era. His posture and hands suggest that he is actively engaged in intellectual pursuits. Yet, consider the absence of any specific symbols of Hoffmann’s profession. What does it mean to portray a man of science, like Friedericus Hoffmann, without the visual cues that typically define his identity? Perhaps this absence speaks to a broader theme of identity formation in the 18th century, where one’s sense of self was intricately linked to their role in society, but also separate from it. It invites us to reflect on how identity is constructed and portrayed, both then and now.