Portret van Jacob Gottlieb Rudolph Volckamer von Kirchensittenbach 1781

Christoph-Wilhelm Bock created this print of Jacob Gottlieb Rudolph Volckamer von Kirchensittenbach. While undated, the inscription tells us he lived from 1710 to 1783, and his dress reflects the fashion of that time. Portraits of this era were powerful tools for constructing and communicating identity, particularly for men of wealth and status. Volckamer's elaborate wig, ruff, and coat signaled his high social standing. The landscape in the background, seen through a window, along with the hat and document on the table, suggest his connection to the land and his engagement in intellectual pursuits. Yet, these symbols also served to reinforce a rigid social hierarchy, where access to such markers of status was limited. Consider how Volckamer’s identity is carefully crafted through visual cues, reinforcing societal expectations around class and masculinity. This image prompts us to consider the emotional distance in such formal portrayals.