Professor Elias Naur 1702

This is Johan Friedlein's 1702 engraving of Professor Elias Naur, it's currently held at the Statens Museum for Kunst. At the time this print was made, the visual representation of scholars played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of knowledge and authority. Naur is framed in an oval and inscribed with the text: “M. Elias Naur, olim Rector Scholæ, nunc Prof. P. Reg. Gymnasii Otheniensis. Anno Ætatis LII". The use of Latin highlights the status of scholars and reinforces the exclusivity of academic circles. Wearing a traditional dark robe and white collar, his identity is closely tied to his professional and intellectual standing. Prints like these circulated widely and contributed to the construction of public figures. Though Naur's gaze is unwavering, there is a sense of formality and restraint here, reflecting a time when social roles were rigidly defined. Friedlein's detailed engraving provides insight into the visual culture of the 18th century, inviting us to think about how images shape our understanding of identity and status.