Portret van Georg Gottlob Richter 1752

Georg Daniel Heumann created this print of Georg Gottlob Richter using etching and engraving techniques. Made in Germany, its intricate design reflects the cultural values of the 18th century. Richter, a figure of importance, is depicted with symbols of authority and intellect: his dress, his wig, and the books at his side. The print is also a product of the institutions of its time. The detailed engraving suggests a culture that values precision and craft, while the inclusion of Latin text points to the importance of classical learning within intellectual circles. The very act of creating and circulating such a print implies a society that values portraiture as a means of preserving status and memory. Understanding this work fully requires delving into the social and intellectual history of 18th-century Germany. Investigating the roles and institutions that supported figures like Richter helps us to appreciate how such images operate within their original cultural context.