Johann Carol Schlusselfelder c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have Bernhard Vogel's portrait of Johann Carol Schlusselfelder. I'm struck by the sheer volume of that wig! What do you see in this piece? Curator: Well, beyond the obvious display of status, the wig itself becomes a powerful symbol. In this era, it signified not just wealth, but learning, authority, and even a degree of theatricality. Editor: Theatricality? Curator: Yes! Think of it as a mask, a persona carefully constructed for the world. And consider the prominent display of his coat of arms. It’s all about legacy. Editor: So, it's about crafting an image for posterity? Curator: Precisely. A powerful reminder of the carefully curated image one projects. Editor: That gives me a whole new perspective on the portrait. Thanks!