Portret van Georg Stampel 1705 - 1769

Christian Fritzsch created this portrait of Georg Stampel, a superintendent in Lubeck, using engraving. During the 17th and 18th centuries, portraits weren't just about capturing a likeness; they were carefully constructed displays of status and identity. Consider Stampel's stern gaze and the fine details of his clothing, which communicate authority and intellect. Then there's the matter of the inscription beneath the image, which serves to further cement his position in society. It's difficult to ignore the absence of women and people of color in these visual records. This absence speaks volumes about the power dynamics of the time, and who was deemed worthy of representation. Reflecting on this image invites us to consider the narratives that were—and were not—being told. It reminds us of the importance of questioning whose stories are visible and whose remain in the shadows.