George Adolph Schuberth c. 18th century

Editor: This is Johann Martin Bernigeroth's portrait of George Adolph Schuberth. The setting, with the books, gives a sense of intellectual weight. What can you tell me about the social context of this portrait? Curator: Well, portraits like these, especially engravings, served a crucial function. They weren't just about likeness. Consider how the printing press allowed for wider circulation of images. Editor: You mean this image was like a public announcement of Schuberth's status? Curator: Exactly! The portrait served as a marker of social standing and intellectual achievement, a carefully constructed image for public consumption. What do you make of that billowing drape? Editor: I hadn't considered it that way; I see it's all about public image. Thanks!