Johann Georg Weller 1757

Curator: Before us is a print of Johann Georg Weller, crafted by Gabriel Bodenehr sometime between 1700 and 1800, now residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The composition strikes me as incredibly formal, the oval frame emphasizing the subject's controlled pose and the rigid architectural elements in the background. Curator: Absolutely. The columns evoke classical virtues, while the sitter's wig and attire indicate status and adherence to societal norms. The engraver uses light and shadow to sculpt the face, creating a sense of gravitas. Editor: The hands clasped over the stomach – a pose of humility or perhaps concealed anxiety? It's a fascinating contrast to the overt display of wealth and power. Curator: Indeed. Consider, too, the cartouche below, adorned with Weller’s coat of arms and laudatory inscriptions, reinforcing his identity and legacy. It speaks of social mobility and the importance of lineage. Editor: A compelling study in the visual language of power and self-presentation, nonetheless!