Portret van Johann Gottfried Kraus 1732

Martin Bernigeroth created this print of Johann Gottfried Kraus in the early 18th century. Kraus, a man of stature as suggested by his wig and garb, was a figure of authority, serving as a judge, a member of the local council, a professor, and a dean. Bernigeroth’s engraving provides a glimpse into the hierarchical structures of the time. Kraus's identity was rooted in his professional roles and scholarly achievements, with the Latin inscription underscoring his status. What does it mean to have your identity so closely tied to your profession? How might it shape your sense of self and your interactions with the world? This portrait invites us to reflect on the intricate relationship between identity, society, and individual experience.