Portret van Paul von Stetten 1800

Johann Carl Schleich created this print of Paul von Stetten, likely in Augsburg, in the late 18th century. The conventions of portraiture in this period served to reinforce social hierarchies, and this image is no different. Von Stetten is framed by his family's coats of arms, visually connecting his personal identity with his lineage and status. His powdered wig and formal attire are markers of wealth and authority. It is worth noting that Augsburg, a Free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire, was governed by an oligarchy of mercantile families. The von Stetten family held significant influence in the city's economic and political life. This portrait, therefore, goes beyond individual likeness; it's a statement about power, family, and the established order in Augsburg society. To understand the full scope of the image one might consult genealogical records, city archives, and studies of Augsburg's social history. These sources would shed light on how art was used to uphold the power of people like Paul von Stetten.