Portret van Maximilian von und zu Trauttmansdorff 1807

This is János Blaschke's print of Maximilian von und zu Trauttmansdorff, made sometime between 1770 and 1833. The portrait captures the image of a man draped in finery; the chain of office proclaims his rank. Made in the Austrian Empire, this image reflects the conservative social structure of its time, with its emphasis on inherited titles and aristocratic power. The subject's clothing and bearing suggest a man who understands the importance of image in maintaining his position. The details of dress and decoration indicate a culture that values display as a marker of social status. To fully understand such an image, the art historian needs to draw on a wide range of sources. Genealogical records would show the significance of family names. Research into court life would show how individuals were expected to present themselves. In this way, the portrait can tell us much about the social world of 18th and early 19th-century Austria.