Portret van Friedrich Krausold 1703 - 1733

This engraving by Martin Bernigeroth portrays Friedrich Krausoldus. Dominating the image is the elaborate wig, a potent symbol of status in Krausoldus’s era, when society was rigidly ordered. Such displays of artifice can be traced back through history. Consider the towering hairstyles of the French court, or even the sculpted beards of ancient Assyrian kings. These are all examples of how people have used their appearance to project authority and power. In this portrait, the wig serves not only as a fashion statement but also as an embodiment of Krausoldus’s social standing and influence within his community. The human desire to assert dominance and command respect is a recurring theme throughout history. It is a psychological and cultural imperative that manifests itself in diverse and imaginative ways. These symbols, though evolving in form, continue to exert a powerful force, tapping into our subconscious understanding of power, status, and social identity.