Portret van Samuel Strimesius 1707

Martin Bernigeroth created this print of Samuel Strimesius, a Doctor and Professor of Theology, sometime around the late 17th to early 18th century. At this time, portraits weren't just about capturing a likeness; they were carefully constructed to convey status and identity. Consider Strimesius's elaborate wig and formal attire. These weren't everyday choices, but rather symbols of his authority and respected position within the church and academia. The portrait exists within an oval frame which sits above a stone plinth with an inscription detailing the accomplishments of the sitter, reinforcing his importance. Bernigeroth’s work reminds us that representation is never neutral. It’s always shaped by the social, political, and personal contexts in which it is created. Although Bernigeroth made many portraits of men, it makes you wonder, who wasn't being represented at this time and what stories remain untold?