Doodsportret van Adam Seyfried Gall von Gallenstein 1669 - 1672

This print, likely made shortly after his death, depicts Adam Seyfried Gall von Gallenstein lying in state. During the Baroque era, death portraits were often commissioned by noble families to commemorate the deceased and assert their lineage and status. In this somber scene, Gallenstein is surrounded by symbolic elements that speak to both earthly status and spiritual beliefs. The cherubs and inscribed verses act as commentary on mortality and the promise of resurrection. The family's coat of arms is prominently displayed, emphasizing Gallenstein's noble identity. Consider the emotional weight of this image, which balances personal loss with public commemoration. This death portrait reflects how the intersection of family, faith, and social standing shaped the representation of identity in the 17th century. It serves as both a record of a life lived and a statement about the values and beliefs that defined Gallenstein's world.