Portret van Philipp Jacob Neuffer 1738 - 1783

This is Johann Philipp Weisbrod’s portrait of Philipp Jacob Neuffer. It's an engraving, a printmaking technique that was quite popular in the 18th century. Neuffer's portrait is framed by symbols and inscriptions, indicative of the hierarchical, religious, and cultural values of the time. The phrase "Memento Mori," Latin for "remember you must die," appears at the top of the image. This motif was common in portraiture of the era, reminding viewers of the transience of life and the importance of piety. Neuffer, dressed in the fashion of the period, complete with a powdered wig, is a man of importance. His gaze is direct and seems to challenge us. The intersection of class, identity, and the ever-present awareness of mortality, reflects the social structures and philosophical concerns of the 1700s. Weisbrod’s engraving immortalizes Neuffer, but also serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of existence.