Portret van Irenäus Vehr 1661 - 1749

Heinrich Jakob Otto created this print of Irenäus Vehr using etching. The portrait gives us a glimpse into the identity and status of its subject within the rigid social structures of the time. Vehr, a Royal Archiater and professor, is framed by a laurel wreath and ribbon, symbols often associated with academic and professional achievement, literally placing him on a pedestal. His elaborate wig and formal attire speak to the visual codes of power and knowledge that defined the elite class. The portrait thus reinforces existing hierarchies, reflecting the limited access to education and influence. By conforming to the conventions of portraiture, Otto’s rendering of Vehr underscores the emotional detachment and rigid protocols that governed the social interactions of the period. The image invites us to consider how identities were performed, negotiated, and solidified through artistic representation, echoing the complex interplay between personal identity and public role.