Portret van Jacob Heinrich Erpel 1718 - 1733

This is Johann Martin Bernigeroth’s engraving of Jacob Heinrich Erpel. In this period, portraiture was a currency of power, reflecting the sitter's status and aspirations within a hierarchical society. Here, Erpel is immortalized not just as an individual, but as a figure representative of his class and role. Bernigeroth employs allegory, showing a seated, armed female figure next to Erpel’s portrait. She is an allegorical figure of virtue, hinting at Erpel’s position as Jur Vir. Cand. Through the use of allegory, Bernigeroth elevates the portrait beyond a mere likeness, intertwining Erpel's identity with ideals of virtue. The elaborate frame, the family crest, and the text inscription, all contribute to a narrative of heritage and honor. Bernigeroth masterfully uses the visual language of the time to not only depict Erpel, but also to inscribe him within a broader cultural and historical narrative of power, virtue, and legacy.