Portret van Gottlieb Gerhard Titius 1713

Editor: This is a 1713 engraving titled "Portret van Gottlieb Gerhard Titius" by Martin Bernigeroth, housed here at the Rijksmuseum. The incredible detail achieved in the printmaking process makes a striking impression. What sort of person do you think the artist was trying to portray? Curator: The choice of symbols here are carefully constructed. Take that surrounding oval – it presents Titius almost as a cameo, a precious object to be admired. And beneath him, that text… think of it as an inscription on a monument, permanently enshrining his achievements and status. What does it say to you about societal values at the time? Editor: It seems to elevate his accomplishments. The words point to high ranking positions and important societal roles. Curator: Exactly. Look, too, at the elaborate wig. It wasn’t merely a fashion statement; it was a deliberate signifier of power, status, and intellectual prowess. The larger the wig, the more respect the individual commanded. This symbol declared him a man of substance and influence, shaping how the viewer understood his role in the world. Do you see this at play here? Editor: I do now! It’s as if every element in this print works together to communicate his importance. Thank you for pointing this out! Curator: My pleasure. Remember, art often serves as a mirror, reflecting and reinforcing the values and beliefs of its time. This engraving certainly does.