Portret van Balthasar Timaeus von Güldenklee 1620 - 1699

Gabriel Uhlich created this portrait of Balthasar Timaeus von Güldenklee, using engraving techniques. It gives us a glimpse into the world of the 17th and 18th century European elite. Uhlich’s portrait situates Balthasar within a network of power and prestige, highlighting his identity as a landowner through the inscription ‘in Neugarten et Ruzenow’. Note how the Latin text asserts Balthasar’s status as ‘Hereditarius’, heir, emphasizing the importance of lineage and inheritance in defining social position. The choice of Latin, along with the classical style of the portrait, situates the artwork within a tradition that values education, status, and a connection to the historical narratives of power. The intricate details of Balthasar’s clothing, along with the family crest, further enhance his status. Consider the emotional landscape of the piece, the weight of tradition and expectation carried in Balthasar’s gaze, inviting us to reflect on the enduring power of representation and the complex interplay between identity, history, and social status.