Portret van Johann Jacob Starck 1762

Johann Martin Bernigeroth created this print of Johann Jacob Starck, likely in Germany during the mid-18th century. It offers a glimpse into the social standing and intellectual life of the period. Starck, identified as a preacher at St. Catharine's in Frankfurt am Main, is depicted with symbols of authority and learning such as books. The formal attire, complete with a ruff, signifies his position within the church hierarchy. Bernigeroth’s print subtly reinforces the prevailing social order, where religious figures held considerable sway. Historical archives and church records can reveal much about Starck's influence and the theological debates of his time. By examining such resources, we gain insight into how religious institutions shaped public discourse and individual lives. This artwork therefore reminds us that meaning is always contingent on historical and institutional contexts.