Portret van Theodor Hase op 45-jarige leeftijd 1728

This is a print made in 1728 by Christian Fritzsch, depicting Theodor Hase at the age of 45. Hase’s garb suggests he was probably a theologian or academic. It gives us a glimpse into the world of the 18th century north European intelligentsia. Produced during the early Enlightenment, this portrait operates within very specific cultural codes. For instance, the trappings of Hase’s status as a man of learning are on full display. But the image also speaks to the institutional history of art itself. Printmaking was then essential for disseminating images and knowledge across Europe. Artists like Fritzsch worked within a network of patrons, publishers, and institutions, shaping and reflecting the values of their society. To fully understand this print, we might delve into the archives of the universities and religious institutions. These sources help us to appreciate the complex relationship between art, knowledge, and power in the early 18th century.