Elisabeth Høg 1674

Hubert Schaten created this engraving of Elisabeth Høg, a woman of noble birth, sometime before his death in 1697. It is a piece brimming with the visual language of status and lineage. Consider how the elaborate display of heraldry—those shields and crests surrounding Elisabeth—asserts her belonging to a powerful family. In a society rigidly stratified by birthright, these symbols were potent markers of identity and privilege. Notice how Elisabeth is flanked by allegorical figures reminiscent of classical antiquity. One holds a musical instrument; the other holds what appears to be a portrait of Elisabeth herself. Are these figures intended to convey more than just familial pride? The detailed rendering of Elisabeth’s features invites us to contemplate the individual within the social role. The visual construction of identity through portraiture in this era was as much about preserving a legacy as it was about capturing a likeness. This engraving encourages us to consider the complex interplay between personal identity and social standing, a dance that continues to shape our perceptions today.