Portret van Moritz Hieronymus Lochner 1738

This is Johann Christoph Vogel’s portrait of Moritz Hieronymus Lochner. Portraits such as these were common during the period to assert status and legacy. Lochner is presented in a manner befitting his role as a man of the church and confessor. His garments, wig, and the books are all symbolic of the roles and status he held in society. While these portraits reflect the wealth and status of individuals, they also embody a set of social norms. Portraits like this reflect the power dynamics of gender and class. Men of this era often held positions of authority and influence, while women’s roles were often confined to the domestic sphere. What does it mean to view a portrait like this from a contemporary perspective? As we grapple with issues of representation and social justice, how do we view these symbols of an earlier age?