Portret van Anna Maria Romanus 1713 - 1733

This is a portrait of Anna Maria Romanus, made with etching by Martin Bernigeroth in the late 17th or early 18th century. In this period, portraiture served to assert status and lineage. It's fascinating to consider the societal expectations placed on women of this era, expectations that are visually encoded in the image. The architectural backdrop, the sculpted urn with cherubic figures, and even Anna Maria's elaborate dress – all speak to a carefully constructed image of wealth and refinement. The etching was made in Germany, a region then experiencing both the tail end of the Baroque and the rise of Enlightenment ideals. Perhaps the somewhat rigid pose reflects the conservative social structures of the time. As historians, we can delve into records of births, deaths, and marriages, wills, and property records. We can use these sources to shed light on the intricate web of social relations that shaped not only the life of Anna Maria Romanus, but also the very production and reception of this image. Ultimately, this artwork reminds us that meaning is not inherent but arises within specific social and institutional contexts.