Heinrich Gottfried Koch c. 18th century

Curator: This is Johann Friedrich Bause's engraving of Heinrich Gottfried Koch, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: The theatrical mask and trumpet above the portrait are so striking. It gives the sense of performance, almost a celebration of public life. Curator: Indeed. Bause made this engraving to commemorate Koch, who was likely an important figure in theatrical or musical circles. Consider the inscription below with the names Melpomene and Thalia. Editor: The muses of tragedy and comedy! The ivy twining around the oval frame could be a reference to artistic dedication, or even immortality. Curator: Koch's social role then was clearly one tied to the arts. Portrait engravings like these served a crucial role in disseminating images of notable figures. Editor: The choice of symbols, though, elevates the individual. It's not just a likeness; it's an idealization of his cultural impact. Curator: And that’s so telling about the value placed on the arts in the period. Editor: It does make you wonder about the real Heinrich Gottfried Koch. What was he like? The engraving only gives us an idealized representation.