Biskop Broder Brorson 1754

Jonas Haas created this engraving of Biskop Broder Brorson, a bishop, during the 18th century. Brorson's identity as a religious figure is clearly communicated through his formal attire: the ruffled collar and heavy robes speak to his status and role within the church. Consider the historical context of this portrait. The 1700s were a time of religious and political upheaval, as the Enlightenment challenged traditional sources of authority and power. Brorson, as a bishop, would have been deeply invested in maintaining the church's influence in the face of these challenges. Haas's choice to depict Brorson in such a formal and imposing manner may be interpreted as a statement about the enduring power and importance of religious institutions during a period of great change. There's a tension here, between the man and the office. The engraving seems to ask: how does an individual navigate the complexities of faith, power, and personal identity in a rapidly changing world?