Portret van Johann Ludwig Schmidt 1769

Georg Christoph Schmidt made this print of Johann Ludwig Schmidt in 1769. It’s a formal portrait of a man who held a prominent position in Saxon public life. The image presents Schmidt as an erudite and respected figure, denoted by his powdered wig, elegant attire, and the book he holds. The architectural frame and the Latin inscription add to the air of authority. This was a period when the rising merchant class was eager to emulate the aristocracy, commissioning portraits to affirm their status and respectability within the existing social hierarchy. The institutions of state and commerce were intertwined, each supporting the other's power. To truly understand this image, we could delve into genealogical records, guild archives, and period newspapers. By understanding the social and institutional context, we can appreciate how this portrait reflects the values and aspirations of its time. In this way, we reveal how art is deeply embedded in the fabric of social and institutional life.