Portret van Matthias Ignaz von Hess 1749 - 1796

Johann Ernst Mansfeld created this print of Matthias Ignaz von Hess, sometime around the late 18th century using etching. The image is a product of its time, reflecting the social structure of the Holy Roman Empire. Note the trappings of nobility, carefully rendered to communicate status and authority. The lettering tells us that von Hess was a knight and professor at the University of Vienna. The institution of the university played a key role in maintaining the social order, educating the elite and providing them with the cultural capital necessary for leadership. To gain a deeper understanding of this print, we can consult sources about the history of the Holy Roman Empire. The print itself is a historical document, providing valuable information about the period's values and social hierarchies.