Portret van Placidus Muth 1785 - 1789

This engraving, "Portret van Placidus Muth," created between 1785 and 1789 by Georg Heinrich Werner, depicts Placidus Muth, a prominent figure in the Benedictine Order. The portrait, framed by an oval wreath, showcases Muth in his monastic garb, emphasizing his religious affiliation. The inscription below the portrait reveals his titles and roles, including "Abbot of the Monastery of St. Peter and Paul in Erfurt," "Assessor of the Theological Faculty," and "Magnificent Rector of the University." The presence of a skull near Muth's hand serves as a memento mori, a reminder of mortality, a common theme in religious portraiture. This piece, now part of the Rijksmuseum collection, provides a glimpse into the life of a prominent figure of the 18th century.