Grev Zinzendorff 1700 - 1749

Balthasar Denner rendered this oil on copper portrait of Grev Zinzendorff in the 18th century. Denner, a highly sought-after portraitist, meticulously captured the likeness of Zinzendorff, a notable figure in the Moravian Church. While seemingly a straightforward depiction, consider the power dynamics inherent in portraiture of this era. Zinzendorff, a man of religious authority and noble lineage, had the means to commission his image, reinforcing his status within a society marked by strict hierarchies. The Moravian Church, with its emphasis on personal piety and missionary work, challenged some of the prevailing norms of the time. Did this commission serve to solidify Zinzendorff's position, or was it an act of humility, seeking to spread his religious message? The black and white of this image urges us to consider the nuances of identity, belief, and representation in a world undergoing significant social and religious transformation.