Portret van Maximilian Zeidler 1701 - 1759

This engraving of Maximilian Zeidler was made by Georg Daniel Heumann. Heumann depicts Zeidler, who was a Kapell Director in Nurnberg, in a pose that exudes the cultural values of the time. The flowing wig, the draped fabric, and the musical score all contribute to a sense of established tradition. This image creates meaning through visual codes; such as the sitter's clothing, the composition of the image, and historical associations with status and power. Nurnberg was a hub of cultural and intellectual life at this time, with institutions like the church and the court playing important roles in shaping artistic production. A portrait like this would have been commissioned to celebrate Zeidler's position and contributions to the city's musical life. Understanding this image requires historical research into the social conditions that shaped its creation. By studying archival documents, musical scores, and other primary sources, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the cultural context in which this portrait was made and the role it played in reinforcing existing social norms.