Portret van Hans Bräm 1731 - 1788

Sebastian Walch created this portrait of Hans Bräm using black chalk and graphite. Bräm was a Swiss political figure in the 16th century and the portrait reflects the social and political context of his time. Notice how Bräm is depicted with symbols of status: his fur-lined coat and the elaborate ruff around his neck. These details speak volumes about the social hierarchies of the time. What does it mean to be seen and remembered in this way? It's interesting to consider how portraits like these both document and shape our understanding of historical figures. They tell us something about how people wanted to be seen, and the values that were important to them. This image invites us to think about power, representation, and the stories we tell about the past.