Portret van Haubold von Miltitz 1680 - 1733

This is Martin Bernigeroth's portrait of Haubold von Miltitz. Engraved with meticulous detail, the portrait presents symbols that evoke the subject's lineage, status, and virtues. Note the family crest. These heraldic devices, which appeared first in the Middle Ages, served as visual emblems of family identity, social standing, and ancestral achievements. They are a fascinating example of how societies create and maintain collective memories. Crests are passed down through generations, and evolve into potent symbols of continuity. Consider the use of portraiture itself, a tradition dating back to antiquity. Like the Roman practice of creating portrait busts of ancestors, this image served as a means of preserving memory and celebrating individual identity. This relates to psychological desires to leave a mark on the world, and connect with the past. These symbols aren't static; they change over time, adapting to new cultural contexts and evolving human needs. What began as a marker of familial belonging has transformed across time, echoing our innate drive to forge lasting connections between generations.