Eberhard Heinrich Loehr c. 18th century

Editor: So, this is Johann Friedrich Bause’s portrait of Eberhard Heinrich Loehr. I'm struck by the formal setting, yet there's a certain softness in Loehr's expression. What stories do you think this portrait is telling? Curator: This portrait speaks volumes about social mobility and representation in the 18th century. Loehr’s inclusion of “Baumeister” in his title denotes the rising merchant class. Why would Bause choose this approach? Editor: Perhaps to highlight Loehr's achievements and status? Curator: Exactly! It reflects a shift away from solely portraying aristocracy. It is about the power of the rising bourgeois class and their increasing influence on society and the arts. Does this change your view of the work at all? Editor: It does. It makes me think about who gets to be seen and remembered. Curator: Precisely. Art is never just about aesthetics; it's about power, identity, and the stories we choose to tell.