Portret van Dietrich Hermann Kemmerich 1730

This is Martin Bernigeroth’s portrait of Dietrich Hermann Kemmerich, an engraving. The most striking element, the elaborate wig, transcends mere fashion; it speaks volumes about status and identity. Such wigs were not just adornments; they were carefully crafted symbols of authority, designed to command respect and project an image of power. Consider how, across different eras, hairstyles have been potent signifiers: the tonsure of monks, the queues of Qing Dynasty officials, or even the defiant mohawks of punks. Each style carries its own historical weight. The wig, in its exaggerated form, almost becomes a mask. A constructed persona meant to elevate and perhaps even obscure the individual beneath. This desire to mold and present oneself in a certain light—isn't this a timeless aspect of the human condition, something that resonates deep within our collective memory? This image lingers, prompting us to consider the cyclical nature of how we present ourselves to the world.