Johannes Joachimus Haller ab Hallerstein c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have a portrait of Johannes Joachimus Haller ab Hallerstein by Johann Kenckel. There’s something imposing about this figure... a sense of power and maybe a touch of weariness. What catches your eye about this work? Curator: The overwhelming wig, of course! But beyond the superficial, this portrait whispers of the Baroque era's fascination with status and identity. The textures, the dramatic lighting, the very air of self-importance…it's all carefully constructed. Do you notice how his gaze avoids ours? Editor: Now that you mention it, it does feel as though he is looking past us, maybe at his legacy. Curator: Precisely. And that gesture, pointing outwards, almost as if commanding. It really makes you wonder about the man beneath the wig, doesn't it? I’m glad we took a closer look. Editor: Absolutely, I've definitely gained a new perspective.