Portret van Michael Ernst Ettmüller 1719 - 1733

This engraving depicts Michael Ernst Ettmüller, rendered by Martin Bernigeroth. Ettmüller’s elaborate wig speaks volumes; in the 17th century, hair became an intense signifier of status and intellectualism. The grand, flowing wig echoes the Baroque era’s love for ornamentation, mirroring the excessive curls found in architectural details of the time. But consider, too, the psychological weight of such adornment. It almost acts as a mask, a constructed persona presented to the world, concealing the individual beneath layers of artifice. One can see the echoes of ancient rulers adopting specific hairstyles to signal power, influencing later European courts. The wig becomes a stage for the performance of identity, an external manifestation of inner aspirations and perceived social standing. It’s a visual dance between the desire to impress and the underlying human need for recognition and respect, a silent yet powerful drama.