Portret van Christian Hirschfeld 1818 - 1832

Christian Gottfried Zschoch created this print of Christian Hirschfeld, likely in Germany, sometime around the late 18th century. It is a stipple engraving, a technique popular at the time for its ability to mimic the soft tones of chalk drawings. Hirschfeld's portrait, with its formal pose and attire, reflects the social norms of the era. The man’s powdered wig and the ornate details of his clothing communicate status and refinement. But more than this, his gaze projects a sense of self-possession fitting with the ascendant values of the Enlightenment. Considered in its institutional context, this portrait speaks to the hierarchies of the period, the institutions of art that shaped artistic production, and the politics of imagery embedded within portraiture. Understanding this image requires a deep dive into the social and institutional histories of the time, including archival research and critical analysis of period texts. Through such investigations, we can better understand how art reflects and shapes the world around it.