Portret van Paulus Tucher 1713

This is a portrait of Paulus Tucher, made as an engraving by Bernhard Vogel, who died in 1737. It’s the kind of image that would have circulated widely in the 18th century and therefore can tell us about the values of the time. The depiction of Tucher is rich in symbolism and speaks to the social structures of the era. He is adorned in armor, a signifier of military status, and the putti holding a banner overhead are common motifs in Baroque art, often used to convey honor and divine favor. Note also the elaborate wig, and family crest. The work reflects the values of the ruling classes in the Germanic states of the early 1700s: a society invested in its military power, its lineage, and the aesthetics of baroque culture. To get a deeper understanding, we might consult historical records, genealogical studies, and treatises on heraldry. These resources offer insights into the image's meaning as something deeply rooted in its social and institutional context.