Portret van Ernst Jeremias Neifeld 1721 - 1771

Johann David Schleuen created this portrait of Ernst Jeremias Neifeld with etching sometime in the 18th century. Etchings like these were important tools for the circulation of images in the print culture of the Enlightenment. Prints allowed the faces and ideas of prominent individuals to become widely known. Consider how the formal elements here contribute to Neifeld's image: his powdered wig, ruffled shirt, and the book in his hand all speak to his status as an educated man of the era. Note also the elaborate frame around the portrait, typical of the period, which elevates the sitter. These kinds of portrait prints often appeared in books or as individual keepsakes, solidifying social hierarchies and celebrating individual achievement, mirroring the values of the institutions and intellectual circles of the time. As art historians, we look at sources like letters, diaries, and institutional records to understand the full context surrounding images like this, revealing the intricate connections between art, society, and the individuals who shaped them.