Portret van Johann Christian Schubart von Kleefeld 1774 - 1817

Johann Georg Mansfeld created this portrait of Johann Christian Schubart von Kleefeld sometime around the turn of the 19th century. Look closely, and you'll see the traditional trappings of power and prestige displayed around the figure, such as the ribbon and the family crest. This portrait is so much more than just an individual likeness; it's an insight into the values and expectations of the time. Schubart is framed within a rigid structure of class and social standing, represented through conventional visual cues, such as the trappings of wealth and status. The portrait sits within a pivotal time in European history, when traditional hierarchies were being questioned amidst Enlightenment ideals and revolutionary fervor. The visual language employed by Mansfeld either reinforces or subtly challenges the status quo. It prompts questions about how individuals like Schubart navigated this changing world while carrying the weight of their inherited identities.