Portret van Georg Albrecht van Oost-Friesland 1720

Christian Fritzsch created this print of Georg Albrecht of East Frisia sometime in the first half of the 18th century. Look closely at the armor and wig, and consider the connotations of the elaborate oval frame. These weren't simply aesthetic choices; they were deeply embedded in the social language of the time. Made in the Holy Roman Empire, this print reflects the cultural values of a hierarchical society. The subject’s armor and ermine point to political authority and high social standing. Such images upheld the status quo, reinforcing the power of the aristocracy. To fully understand this print, one would need to delve into the history of the East Frisian principality, the conventions of Baroque portraiture, and the role of printmaking in disseminating images of power. Art history, at its best, is a form of social history.