Portret van Frans Egon, graaf van Fürstenberg c. 1660 - 1685

This is Johann Martin Lerch’s portrait of Frans Egon, Count of Fürstenberg, made using etching. Lerch’s portrait immortalizes a man of power, a Bishop of Strasbourg, amidst the complex politics of 17th-century Europe. Frans Egon’s identity was deeply intertwined with his lineage and position within the Catholic Church; he navigated a world where religious and secular authority were often in conflict. Consider the visual language of power at play here – the formal attire, the composed demeanor, and the inscription detailing his titles. How do these elements reinforce a sense of authority and status? The portrait marks a moment in time but also perpetuates an image, which speaks volumes about the society that produced and revered it. It's a potent reminder of how identity is shaped by historical forces, and how art can both reflect and solidify those dynamics.