Portret van Christian Friedrich Franckenstein 1665 - 1721

This is Christian Romstet's portrait of Christian Friedrich Franckenstein, made in the 17th century through engraving. During this period, portraiture was critical for establishing social status and commemorating intellectual achievements, particularly for scholars like Franckenstein. Here, Franckenstein is framed by an oval which highlights his name and titles. Encircling the portrait are phrases denoting his birth and death, framing his identity as defined by his life and intellectual contributions. The inscription below offers a commentary on his virtues, noting the limits of art to capture his essence. As we consider this portrait, think about how identity is constructed not just through visual representation but through textual annotation, framing an individual within the cultural and intellectual history of their time. What aspects of ourselves do we choose to memorialize? What stories do we tell?