Portret van Johann Ludwig Gombracht 1691 - 1720

This engraving is a portrait of Johann Ludwig Gombracht, created by Johann Alexander Böner in the 17th or 18th century. The piece encapsulates the complex relationship between religious identity, social status, and the power of representation during that era. Gombracht, framed within an ornate oval, is presented as a figure of authority and reverence. His attire, the book he holds, and the Latin inscriptions all serve to reinforce his identity as a respected theologian and member of the clergy. Böner, through his detailed rendering, not only captures Gombracht's likeness, but also communicates the sitter’s self-perception and societal role. Consider how religion played a central role in shaping individual and communal identities. Portraits like these were instrumental in constructing and perpetuating particular narratives about power, knowledge, and piety. They invite us to reflect on the ways in which historical figures are remembered, and question whose stories are told. The emotional resonance of this image lies in its careful construction of an identity, meant to inspire awe and respect.