Portret van Johann Baptst Kraus 1742 - 1799

This engraving, made by Joseph de Montalegre, depicts Johann Baptist Kraus. The image encapsulates the hierarchical structures of its time through visual codes and cultural references. Notice how Kraus is framed within an oval, adorned with inscriptions emphasizing his esteemed position as Abbot of St. Emmeram in Ratisbon. The elaborate coat of arms below further reinforces his authority and lineage, reflecting the institutional power of the church in Bavarian society. The Latin inscription serves to amplify his virtues and the honors bestowed upon him, linking his persona to the revered Saint Emmeram. Portraits like this were tools to legitimize power. To fully appreciate it, we need to delve into the archives of the Benedictine Order, and explore the intricate relationships between religious institutions and political authority. Only then can we reveal the complex social forces shaping its creation and reception.