Portret van Johann Kob op 68-jarige leeftijd 1658

This engraving depicts Johann Kob at the age of 68, and was made by Johann Friedrich Fleischberger in the 17th century. The image creates meaning through visual codes and historical associations linked to the institutional cultures of the time. The inscription tells us that Kob was a doctor of philosophy and law, a city councilor, and a rector of the University of Altdorf. These titles aren't just personal achievements; they speak to the social and intellectual structures of the Holy Roman Empire. The very act of commissioning and creating this portrait reinforces the social hierarchy of the time. Kob's status is emphasized through the trappings of wealth, learning, and power. To understand the print's cultural context better we might turn to university archives, city records, or genealogies. These sources can reveal the complex social networks and power dynamics that shaped Kob's world.