Dimensions: height 145 mm, width 90 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This is Johann Christian Püschel's portrait of Johann Wilhelm Ludwig Gleim. It is an engraving. Though undated, it reflects the cultural and intellectual milieu of 18th-century Europe. Here, Gleim is presented in a way that speaks to the era's emphasis on reason, and the celebration of intellectual and artistic achievement. Gleim was a central figure in German literary circles and was a patron of the arts. Through the inscription at the bottom, this piece reflects how his contemporaries saw him: as a man of wit, feeling, and intellect, dedicating his life to the pursuit of knowledge. This portrait also evokes questions about representation and identity. As a man of letters, Gleim played a role in shaping cultural norms, contributing to the literary landscape that often defined the era. His legacy remains a part of the complex narrative of German intellectual history.
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