Ruiterstandbeeld van keizer Jozef II 1806

Jacob Merz created this print of the equestrian statue of Emperor Joseph II, sometime before his death in 1807. It captures not just a likeness, but also the intricate dance between power, identity, and representation. The statue itself, perched high upon its pedestal, speaks volumes about how rulers seek to be remembered. Yet, this print, rendered in a more democratic medium, invites a broader audience to consider the Emperor's legacy. How might our understanding of Joseph II shift when his imposing figure is rendered not in bronze, but in ink? This begs us to consider how power is not just embodied, but also mediated, circulated, and ultimately, interpreted. This work serves as a potent reminder of the stories we tell about those in charge, and how these narratives shape our collective memory.