Portret van Zacharias Theobald 1648 - 1663

This is Johann Pfann’s ‘Portret van Zacharias Theobald’, made around 1670 using etching. Pfann, who was working in Germany in the later half of the 17th century, captures the somber visage of Zacharias Theobald, a man of forty years. Portraits like these were critical in solidifying the sitter’s place in the social hierarchy. Theobald is depicted with a ruff collar, a symbol of status during the 17th century, highlighting the importance of appearance in asserting one's identity. The stern gaze and elaborate beard reflect the values of gravitas and respectability, sought after by men of stature. The Latin inscription reminds us of the cultural milieu in which men of power and influence circulated. Pfann’s work offers a glimpse into the dynamics of identity, ambition, and representation in a period marked by significant social and political change. It invites us to contemplate the personal and public faces we construct, and what they reveal about the worlds we inhabit.