Portrait of Marie Sophie Friedericke von Holzhausen c. 1758

Johann Georg Ziesenis painted this portrait of Marie Sophie Friedericke von Holzhausen in 18th century Germany. We might consider this work alongside similar portraits by British artists, such as Gainsborough, as they both participated in defining the visual codes of wealth and class. Here, the sitter's social standing is conveyed through her elaborate clothing, jewelry and carefully styled hair. A small dog, commonly seen as a symbol of fidelity and luxury, mirrors her refined pose. The artist was working in a society that had a rigid class structure, and portraiture like this played a role in reinforcing those social distinctions. The image suggests the sitter's place in the social hierarchy, emphasizing values of elegance, leisure, and family lineage. Analyzing such an image benefits from consulting sources such as historical fashion studies, estate inventories, and genealogical records, helping us to understand the painting as a product of its time.