Portret van Johann Wilhelm Jahn 1719 - 1733

This engraving of Johann Wilhelm Jahn was made by Martin Bernigeroth, a German artist working in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Jahn, identified in the inscription as a Doctor of Theology, is presented within an oval frame, a convention of formal portraiture at the time. Let’s consider how this image functions as a representation of power and status within its social context. Bernigeroth's work reflects the visual codes of the European elite, where portraits served to solidify social hierarchies and project authority. The sitter's refined clothing, elaborate wig, and the very act of commissioning a portrait, all signal his elevated position. This image speaks to the institutional role of the church and its leaders within society. To understand this work fully, we can research the religious and political structures of the Holy Roman Empire during this period. Investigating the networks of patronage and the role of portraiture in affirming social identity will help us better understand the meaning of this print.