Johann August Ernesti c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have a portrait of Johann August Ernesti by Johann Friedrich Bause. It appears to be an engraving. It feels quite formal and posed. What can you tell me about how these types of portraits functioned in society? Curator: Well, consider the context. Portraits like these, especially engravings, democratized image distribution. They were tools for shaping public perception, particularly for figures like Ernesti, a prominent theologian. How do you think this image might have influenced his public role? Editor: It projects authority, certainly. The clothing, the wig... it's all very deliberate. I never thought of prints as shaping public image before. Curator: Exactly. It’s about controlling the narrative and reinforcing social hierarchies. Knowing that, what does this portrait tell us about the power of representation in 18th-century society? Editor: This makes me rethink the power dynamics inherent in portraiture. Thanks!