Portret van Johann Wilhelm Widmann 1753

This is a portrait of Johann Wilhelm Widmann, made as an engraving by Georg Martin Preissler. This kind of formal portrait was popular across Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries, especially among the rising middle class. Here, Widmann is framed by markers of status: classical sculptures, books, and elaborate garments. The Latin inscription at the bottom indicates his high standing as a doctor, advisor, and academic director in Nuremberg. These details matter because portraiture at this time served as a form of social promotion. It helped to solidify one’s position in the public eye. The level of detail achieved through engraving allowed for a relatively inexpensive, mass-produced image. The portrait thus circulated Widmann's status far beyond the circles he frequented. It is through close attention to these details and by digging into archives and other historical sources that we can begin to understand the social function of this work.