Throughout centuries the teacher is a popular motive in art. The way of presentation divers, it varies from realistic to exaggerated. There are images showing teachers as persons of importance and respect, but there are also examples presenting caricatures of teachers. The same diverse image of the teacher is to be found in literal sources. One of the most famous in Germany is probably “Die Feuerzangenbowle”. Here varieties of teacher-characters are presented: there are some who are supportive and important for the development and education of children but also other characters that are just funny exaggerations. The picture database Pictura Paedagogica Online holds a collection of photos of teacher portraits. They date back to the mid 19th century, at the same time the teacher’s library, now Bibliothek für Bildungsgeschichtliche Forschung was founded. The contribution wants to analyse these portraits of teachers with regards to how the teachers saw their profession at that time.