Portret van Matthias Wyssius 1731 - 1788

Sebastian Walch created this portrait of Matthias Wyssius, using a combination of engraving and etching. The image presents us with a historical figure, Consul Wyssius, who lived between 1501 and 1550, seen through the lens of the 18th century. Walch, working in Augsburg, Germany, was deeply embedded in the artistic conventions and social hierarchies of his time. This portrait, therefore, isn't just a representation of an individual but also a statement about status, power, and memory. Wyssius is framed within an architectural window and looks out at us. Consider the power dynamics at play here: Who was deemed worthy of representation, and how were they portrayed? The fur trim, the heavy chain, and ornate collar speak to Wyssius's affluence and position, yet the softness in his gaze hints at something more personal. Walch offers us an interpretation of a man who lived centuries before him. It prompts us to reflect on how we construct our understanding of the past.