Portret van Franz Eusebius, Graf Trautson von Falkenstein 1718

Martin Bernigeroth created this engraving of Franz Eusebius, Graf Trautson von Falkenstein. Bernigeroth was working in a period deeply shaped by social hierarchies and the desire to project power and status. Here, Franz Eusebius is framed within an oval, his voluminous wig immediately signaling his aristocratic status. It’s impossible to ignore how fashion becomes a marker of identity, reflecting the rigid class structures of the time. His armor hints at military or noble lineage, reinforcing his identity as a man of power. The inscription below further emphasizes his titles and lineage, anchoring his identity in his social standing. Bernigeroth’s work thus performs and maintains very traditional representations. Consider the emotional weight of these images for those excluded from such portrayals – the landless, the poor, and women, whose identities were often marginalized. This portrait serves not only as a record but also as a reminder of the existing social order, inviting us to reflect on the personal and political dimensions of representation.