Portret van Nicolaus Hieronymus Gundling 1738

This engraving of Nicolaus Hieronymus Gundling was created by Christian Fritzsch sometime before 1769. Fritzsch's print captures Gundling, a prominent jurist and professor, amidst symbols of his scholarly life. During the 17th and 18th centuries, portraits like these played a crucial role in constructing and reinforcing social hierarchies. Gundling's wig and formal attire signal not just his profession, but also his elevated status within the societal structure of Prussia. Note how his gaze, directed slightly downward, exudes an air of authority. The books surrounding him aren’t just props; they're emblems of intellectual and cultural capital, highlighting the privilege associated with knowledge and education. Consider what it meant to be a man of learning in this era. Gundling was part of an elite class, one that wielded considerable influence in shaping the legal and intellectual landscape of his time. His identity, as presented here, is intertwined with the power structures of his society. The print invites us to consider the relationship between individual identity and social position, and how these portraits both reflected and perpetuated the existing order.