Portret van Johann Ulrich Christian Köppen 1765

Johann Ernst Gericke created this print, “Portret van Johann Ulrich Christian Köppen,” sometime in the 18th century. Köppen, a consistorial councilor, is depicted in the formal attire of his office. Portraits like this reflected and reinforced the hierarchical structures of 18th-century society, where identity was closely tied to social position and religious affiliation. The visual language of the portrait, with its emphasis on Köppen’s professional status, speaks volumes about the era’s values. As a theocracist and authority figure within the church, Köppen’s identity was deeply embedded in the religious and social structures of his time. Consider how portraiture like this maintained traditional representations of power and status, yet also provided a way for individuals to assert their presence and legacy within a rigid social framework. It offers a window into the personal and public identities of its time.