Portret van J. G. B. Petri 1825

Meno Haas produced this print of J. G. B. Petri sometime before his death in 1833. The portrait visualizes a man of importance with the inscription 'Oekonomie Rath Bern Petri'. Rath being a German title of councillor or advisor, we can assume that Petri was an influential figure within his community. The image creates meaning through visual codes associated with social status and historical associations. Haas, a well-known engraver in his time, would have been commissioned to produce this print for distribution amongst Petri's circle, solidifying his position within society. Prints like these were vital in shaping public perception and reinforcing social hierarchies. They served as a means of commemorating individuals and disseminating their achievements to a broader audience. Understanding the social and institutional context of this artwork requires further research into the life and times of J. G. B. Petri, as well as the role of portraiture in 18th and 19th-century Germany.