Portret van Johann Andreas Pfeffel 1707 - 1767

This is Johann Georg Pintz’s portrait of Johann Andreas Pfeffel, an engraving on paper now held in the Rijksmuseum. The portrait captures Pfeffel, presumably a man of some scholarly importance, holding a book with the words "PHYSICA SACRA" printed on the cover. The world of science and philosophy was rapidly changing during Pintz’s time, and the act of portraying Pfeffel with a book connects him to the burgeoning intellectual culture of the period. This was a time when access to knowledge and education was largely determined by class and gender, shaping the identities and opportunities available to individuals. The way Pfeffel presents himself, with his elaborate wig and formal attire, can be seen as an effort to align himself with ideals of enlightenment and reason. The portrait not only shows a man holding a book, but also signifies his participation in intellectual discussions that shaped society. This artwork thus becomes an artifact of a time when access to knowledge was a privilege, and representation in art became a way to assert one's place in society.