Portret van Franz Joseph Unertl 1726 - 1735

This engraving of Franz Joseph Unertl was made by Franz Xaver Joseph Späth, who died in 1735. The image demonstrates the role of portraiture in solidifying social status. Unertl is shown with the trappings of power, his garments, wig, and stance all communicate authority. The Latin inscription that accompanies the image reinforces the message with references to his roles as Baron, Privy Councillor, and Prefect. Späth's image is not simply a likeness; it is a visual statement of Unertl's place in the social hierarchy of his time. The columns and draped curtain are common tropes used in such images to further elevate the subject. As historians, we can consult sources from the period to learn more about Unertl's social and political context. In doing so we can better understand the world in which this image was created and the meaning it held for its original audience.