Portret van Philipp Ernst Lüders 1777

Johann Friedrich Schleuen created this print of Philipp Ernst Lüders in 1777. The image presents us with a world of social hierarchies and cultural expectations, all carefully constructed through visual codes. Made in Germany, this portrait encapsulates the values of the Enlightenment era. Note the emphasis on reason and order, as seen in the symmetrical composition and the clear, precise lines of the engraving. The trappings of status would have been instantly recognizable to contemporaries. Lüders' wig and clothing speak to his social standing, a visual language of class and privilege that was deeply embedded in the culture of the time. By studying the print alongside archival records, genealogical research, and period writings, we can unlock a richer understanding of its historical significance. Art is never created in a vacuum, and understanding its social and institutional context is essential to grasping its full meaning.