Portret van Michael Schmidt 1763

This is Johann Martin Bernigeroth's portrait of Michael Schmidt, etched sometime in the 18th century. Schmidt is depicted with an elaborate coat of arms, an emblem of lineage and status, reflecting the sitter's ambition and the values of his time. This harkens back to medieval heraldry, where symbols on shields identified knights, communicating their allegiances and virtues. Over time, similar emblems evolved to denote social standing and familial legacy, appearing on buildings, books, and, as we see here, portraits. Consider how these symbolic displays mirror the totemic representations in ancient cultures, where animals and objects embodied ancestral spirits and communal identities. The enduring human need to represent identity through symbolic means, from tribal markings to modern logos, reveals our deep-seated desire to connect with a larger narrative. Notice the cyclical progression of symbols—their resurfacing, evolution, and adaptation across different historical contexts. Isn't it fascinating how the past continuously reshapes the present?