Portret van Johann Rudolf Werdmüller c. 1663 - 1695

Christiaan Hagen created this engraving depicting Johann Rudolf Werdmüller, likely in the late 17th century. Hagen's work gives us a glimpse into the rigid social hierarchies of the time. Werdmüller, an Imperial Field Marshal, is portrayed in armor, a symbol of power and status reserved almost exclusively for men of noble birth or high military rank. Notice how the detailed rendering of his armor contrasts with the distant battle scene, a subtle nod to the realities of war experienced by those on the front lines. The portrait raises questions about identity and representation. How did Hagen, as the artist, navigate the expectations of his patron while also conveying something of Werdmüller's character? Did this representation challenge or reinforce the era’s established power dynamics? Consider the personal stories and lived realities behind the portraits we see in museums. They prompt us to critically examine how history is constructed.