Portret van Albrecht Ludwig Jacob Harder op 45-jarige leeftijd 1732

Philipp Gottfried Harder created this print of Albrecht Ludwig Jacob Harder in 1752, likely in the Augsburg area. The formal style of the portrait tells us a lot about the sitter's social standing and profession. Albrecht Harder was a preacher and deacon, meaning he had a prominent place within the religious establishment. The books in the background, as well as the book he holds open, signal the importance of religious texts, learning and preaching to his identity. His robes and wig also speak to his elevated social position. Even the ornate frame around the image and the elaborate inscription below it suggest a desire to publicly announce Harder's importance within his community. Understanding this image requires some investigation of religious life in 18th century Augsburg, which was a complex environment with both Catholic and Protestant communities. A historian could consult local archives, church records, and published sermons to better understand the role Albrecht Harder played within it. Meaning is always contingent on context.