Portret van Gerhard Meier 1705 - 1769

Christian Fritzsch created this print of Gerhard Meier using etching techniques. In the 18th century, portraiture was often used to convey social status, and this image is no exception. Meier’s identity as a pastor, scholar, and councilor are etched into the image with Latin script. The elaborate wig, a symbol of status, frames his face, a face that seems both stern and knowing. Fritzsch was a sought after portrait artist, and the technical skill on display here—the mastery of line and tone— speak to an ability to capture not just the likeness, but something of the essence of the man. Yet, we might also wonder about the power dynamics inherent in portraiture of this era. Who had the means to commission such a work, and whose stories were deemed worthy of representation? This portrait allows us to consider not only the individual likeness of Gerhard Meier but also the broader social and cultural values of his time, prompting us to reflect on the power of representation and the stories we choose to tell.