Portret van Konrad Wiederhold 1647

This engraving of Konrad Wiederhold was made by Conrad Meyer in 1667. Look closely and you’ll see that its visual language conveys an array of messages about status and cultural identity. Made in Switzerland, this portrait reflects the values of a society shaped by military and political alliances. Wiederhold is framed by inscriptions referencing his roles as governor and military leader. The use of Latin text and classical allusions would have appealed to a sophisticated, educated audience. And don't miss the poetry beneath the image, which praises Wiederhold using wordplay and religious metaphors. The inclusion of his coat of arms further reinforces his noble lineage and authority. To truly understand this image, we can turn to period documents such as military records, genealogical archives, and collections of poetry. From these sources, the historian can reconstruct the complex social networks and institutional structures that shaped the production and reception of art in 17th-century Switzerland. By doing so, we gain insight into how images like this actively constructed identities and reinforced existing social hierarchies.