Portret van Johann Gottlob Carpzov 1747

Curator: Up next, we have a peek into the world of 18th-century intellect. This is Johann Martin Bernigeroth's 1747 engraving, "Portret van Johann Gottlob Carpzov," currently held at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: Immediately, what strikes me is how utterly starched and proper everything feels. The man, the ruff, even the light seems obedient, arranged. There’s a weightiness here, an almost performative seriousness. Curator: Absolutely, and that aligns perfectly with the Baroque period, a time deeply invested in portraying figures of authority with a certain gravity. Carpzov was a prominent theologian and superintendent in Lubeck, a man of significant religious influence. The engraving medium itself speaks to that period, chosen for its precision. Editor: It feels a little austere. Like a carefully constructed stage play. I imagine the engraver methodically translating every curl of his wig, every page in his bookcase. I do admire how much detail can be captured. But do you get the feeling that even in “relaxed mode” his ruff still makes him feel trapped, kind of restricted somehow? Curator: The ruff is definitely a statement! It symbolizes authority and erudition in that era, setting the individual apart. What seems restrictive to us might have been a badge of honor then. The detail itself highlights the increasing importance of documentation and dissemination of images of influential figures. This engraving allowed his image to be distributed widely, reinforcing his presence. Editor: That makes sense; a sort of early influencer move! So despite its stern look, this piece actually tells us quite a bit about social dynamics, who got to be seen, and how they wanted to be viewed. Curator: Precisely. It's a study in controlled image-making within a particular socio-political frame. It makes us question: How does power present itself? Editor: From my side, I see that portraits never truly disappear; this piece is a reminder that we all curate how we wish to be seen by future eyes. It will continue.