Portret van Adalbert III, vorst-bisschop van Fulda 1789

This engraving depicts Adalbert III, the Prince-Bishop of Fulda, and was made by Christoph-Wilhelm Bock. In the late 18th century, powerful figures like Adalbert were often portrayed in ways that emphasized their status and authority. This portrait, with its ornate frame and detailed depiction of Adalbert’s garments and features, situates him within a tradition of representing power. Yet it also hints at the complex relationship between religious authority, social class, and individual identity. The Bishop's gaze is self-assured, yet there's also a sense of the weight of responsibility. Consider how religious leaders are represented today. Do we still rely on similar visual cues to convey authority, or have our expectations changed? This image is more than a historical record; it’s an invitation to think about the ways power and identity are constructed and perceived.