Portret van Johann Zacharias Richter 1764 - 1767

This is Johann Martin Bernigeroth’s portrait of Johann Zacharias Richter, made using the medium of engraving. The subject is framed within a laurel wreath, an ancient symbol of triumph and immortality. The arrangement of the books at the bottom, with the inscription “OTIUM NESCI[O]” - or ‘I know no leisure’ - speaks to the sitter's diligent nature. Consider the symbolic weight of the wreath: it echoes the crowns of antiquity, bestowed upon heroes and gods. This motif reappears throughout history, adorning emperors, athletes, and poets. Yet, here, it frames not a warrior or ruler, but a man of apparent letters, highlighting the enduring human desire to immortalize achievement. Just as ancient sculptures were adorned with laurel, so too is Richter presented as an exemplar. It is as though the artist taps into a collective memory, a subconscious recognition of honor and lasting legacy. The image exerts a subtle, psychological pull, inviting us to reflect on our own aspirations and the fleeting nature of time.