Portret van Christian Fürchtegott Gellert 1769 - 1788

This engraving by Johann Esaias Nilson depicts a commemorative monument to Christian Fürchtegott Gellert (1715-1769). The bust of Gellert, a German writer and theologian, is placed on a pedestal surrounded by two female figures. The monument features an inscription with the date of his death and the words “Germaniae Heliconius Gloria”, meaning “Glory of the German Helicon”, a poetic reference to the German poetic tradition. This engraving captures the spirit of the Enlightenment and its appreciation for intellectual achievements. The piece is a powerful example of the artistic traditions of 18th-century Europe and is now part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection.