Peter Engelhardt Dietherr c. 17th century

Curator: This is Mathys van Somer's portrait of Peter Engelhardt Dietherr. Look closely—it's full of fascinating visual cues about identity and status. Editor: It's striking! There's such an imposing presence, like he's about to offer some profound, slightly stern, advice. Curator: His clothing and the surrounding heraldry certainly speak of wealth and civic responsibility, embedding Dietherr in a network of family and governance. These symbols are so connected to notions of power. Editor: I love how the detail almost overwhelms the eye – the crests all around. It feels like a labyrinth of symbols hiding in plain sight, hinting at stories we can only guess at. Curator: Exactly! The work highlights the constructed nature of identity within the social structures of the time and the importance of lineage. Editor: It makes you wonder about the life behind the stern face, the private moments that shaped the person. Curator: Considering this now reminds us how portraiture has historically served to solidify social hierarchies. Editor: Seeing it all now, it’s like looking through a keyhole into another century—a reminder that the past is always shaping our present.