Portret van Georg Wagner 1652

This is Matthäus Merian’s engraving of Georg Wagner, made in the 17th century. It offers us a glimpse into the world of European diplomacy during a time of significant political and religious upheaval. Wagner, identified here as Imperial official and legate to the Treaty of Westphalia, embodies the intersection of power, status, and identity of the period. His attire and the inscription below the portrait speak to his position within the Holy Roman Empire and his role in negotiating the Peace of Westphalia, which aimed to end the Thirty Years' War. Consider the weight of representation in portraiture at this time. How does Merian's depiction of Wagner, with his composed demeanor and dignified dress, serve to legitimize his authority and the broader imperial project? What emotions does this image evoke in you? Does it instill a sense of admiration, curiosity, or perhaps even a critical awareness of the power dynamics at play? In the end, this portrait prompts us to reflect on the individuals who shaped historical events and the complex identities they carried.