Portret van Johann Schilter 1705 - 1733

This is Martin Bernigeroth’s ‘Portret van Johann Schilter’, an engraving. Bernigeroth created this portrait to commemorate Johann Schilter, a historical linguist during a period of significant social and intellectual transformation. During this era, academic and intellectual circles were dominated by men from privileged backgrounds, often excluding women and those from lower socioeconomic classes. Schilter's wig and attire symbolize his status and alignment with societal power structures. This image reinforces traditional representations of male authority and academic prestige. The portrait captures a moment in the life of a scholar who significantly influenced linguistic studies, yet it also reflects the exclusive nature of intellectual communities. Consider how portraits like this both immortalize individuals and reinforce existing social hierarchies, shaping our understanding of who has the power to shape knowledge.