Portret van Johann Albert Fabricius 1749

This engraving of Johann Albert Fabricius was created by Gustav Andreas Wolfgang, likely in Hamburg, sometime around the mid-18th century. It presents us with an interesting window into the social and intellectual life of the period. Fabricius was a theologian and professor, and the portrait conveys his status through visual cues such as his elaborate wig and formal attire. These elements speak to the social hierarchies of the time, where appearance and dress played a significant role in indicating one's position in society. The Latin inscription and the ornate frame further emphasize Fabricius’s learning and prestige within the academic community. The existence of this print also tells us something about the culture of knowledge production and dissemination. Engravings like this one served to publicize and celebrate intellectual figures, contributing to the construction of a scholarly elite. Accessing sources from the University archives and historical societies would help us better understand Fabricius's impact and the values of the institutions that shaped his career.