Portret van Friedrich II von Sachsen-Gotha-Altenburg 1717 - 1733

This print of Friedrich II von Sachsen-Gotha-Altenburg was made by Martin Bernigeroth sometime before 1733. This image is less a straightforward portrait and more a carefully constructed representation of power and legitimacy. It's full of visual cues that speak to the social and political context of the time. We see Friedrich framed by an oval border, adorned with his name and titles, emphasizing his status. Below, a figure crowns a complex coat of arms, symbols of heritage and dominion. Beside it stand other figures, perhaps representing faith and justice. Made in the German lands, it is a time when noble lineage and divine right were used to justify social hierarchy. These prints circulated widely, shaping public perception of rulers. The Rijksmuseum, as an institution, plays a role in preserving and interpreting such works, offering us a window into the past. By studying these images, along with historical documents, we can understand how power was presented and perceived in 18th-century Europe.