Portret van Lodovico Antonio Muratori 1750 - 1796

Johann Ernst Mansfeld created this print of Lodovico Antonio Muratori sometime in the mid-18th century. Considered through the lens of power and representation, this portrait offers a glimpse into the construction of identity during the Enlightenment. Muratori, an Italian historian, is framed by symbols of knowledge and authority, reflecting his status within intellectual circles. Yet, the very act of memorializing him through portraiture speaks to a specific class and gender dynamic, where certain figures are deemed worthy of such enduring visibility. What narratives are privileged in this image? What perspectives are silenced? The layers of symbolism, from the laurel wreath to the allegorical figures, invite us to question how history is shaped by those in positions of influence. The artwork encourages reflection on whose stories are told and remembered, and whose are not.