Portret van Georg Woelcker 1695 - 1755

Tobias Gabriel Beck made this print of Georg Woelcker. The image is a study in the visual codes of status in the 17th and 18th centuries. Woelcker's prominent ruff collar and fur-lined coat signal his wealth and position. The inscription below the portrait details his titles, emphasizing his service to both the Holy Roman Empire and France. This was a period of intense political negotiation. The print not only immortalizes Woelcker's likeness but also serves as a public declaration of his alliances and influence. To understand this image, we need to dig into the political structures of the Holy Roman Empire, the role of diplomacy, and the visual language of power. Prints like these were not merely decorative; they were tools for shaping public perception and reinforcing social hierarchies.