Portret van Johann Kenckel 1722 - 1737

Bernhard Vogel created this print of Johann Kenckel, a sculptor from Nuremberg. The portrait, set within an ornate oval frame, captures the likeness of Kenckel, who is adorned in the attire of his time. During the 17th and 18th centuries, portraiture was enmeshed with social status, reflecting the sitter's identity and position within a hierarchical society. Kenckel's confident gaze and the elegance of his clothing project an image of success and refinement. It speaks volumes about the era's emphasis on individual achievement and the rising status of artists within society. However, it's also important to consider what isn't shown. While Kenckel's profession is celebrated, the print remains silent on the experiences of women and people of color who were excluded from such recognition. It invites us to reflect on whose stories were told and whose were marginalized in the annals of art history. The piece ultimately becomes a poignant reminder of both the achievements and the exclusions that have shaped our cultural narrative.