Portret van Magnus Lichtwer 1710 - 1733

This is Martin Bernigeroth’s “Portret van Magnus Lichtwer,” an engraving. Bernigeroth, working in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, was part of a world in transition, where social status was meticulously performed and recorded. Here, Magnus Lichtwer, a secretary, isn’t just depicted; he’s constructed. The elaborate wig, the formal attire, the very setting—all speak to a carefully curated identity meant to project authority and intellect. In the historical context of the print, portraits were vital tools for establishing social standing and leaving a legacy. But what does it mean to perform an identity so deliberately? This image exists at the intersection of personal representation and social expectation. It subtly questions how much of our identity is truly ours, and how much is dictated by the world around us. The emotional weight of this artwork lies in this tension—between the man, Magnus Lichtwer, and the image he presents to the world.