Portret van Hans Adolph von Haugwitz 1715

Moritz Bodenehr made this portrait of Hans Adolph von Haugwitz, likely during the late 17th or early 18th century, using engraving techniques. It offers a glimpse into the visual language of power and status of the time. Consider the conventions used to depict Haugwitz. The oval frame, the draped curtain, and the inscription below create a sense of formality, typical of elite portraiture in many European countries. Haugwitz is portrayed wearing armor, suggesting military prowess, while his elaborate wig and fine garments indicate wealth and aristocratic standing. The inscription tells us he was a high-ranking official in the court of Saxony, a region within modern-day Germany. By examining court records, genealogical databases, and books on the history of Saxony we can understand the social hierarchies of the time and the role Haugwitz played within them. This image, like many others, embodies the politics of imagery during a time of strict social codes.