Portret van Philip Andreas von Ellrodt 1731 - 1788

Johann Esaias Nilson created this print of Philip Andreas von Ellrodt. The piece offers a glimpse into the rigid societal hierarchies of 18th-century Europe. Von Ellrodt, a nobleman and minister, is depicted within an ornate oval frame. It's a formal portrait, but the cherubic figures and decorative flourishes soften the image, fitting within the Rococo sensibilities of the time. Note how the trappings of wealth and status – the elaborate coat, sash, and the family crest, serve to reinforce the sitter's position. Nilson was working within a patronage system, creating images that flattered the elite. It makes you wonder about the power dynamics at play. What does it mean to have your image circulated in this way? Does it reinforce your power, or does it make you vulnerable? This portrait serves not just as a record of appearance but also as a statement of social and political identity.