Henrich Stilling neemt afscheid van Molitor 1778

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki created this print, "Henrich Stilling neemt afscheid van Molitor," in 1778. It’s an etching that illustrates a scene from Henrich Stilling's, or Johann Heinrich Jung's, autobiography. Chodowiecki, a German artist of Huguenot descent, lived during the Enlightenment, a period emphasizing reason and individualism. This print reflects the era's interest in personal narratives and moral lessons. The image depicts Stilling, recognizable by his bag, bidding farewell to Molitor, set against a backdrop that suggests both departure and the world awaiting him. The handshake is a sign of friendship and marks a pivotal moment of transition for Stilling. Consider the social and religious context of the time. Stilling, who later became a Christian mystic, experienced social mobility as the son of a tailor. The print captures a moment of change, a theme that would have resonated deeply in an era of evolving social structures and personal freedoms. Chodowiecki invites us to reflect on the universal experiences of departure, change, and the search for one’s path.