Zelfportret Possibly 1689

Adriaan Brand made this self-portrait etching, sometime in the 1720s. The portrait presents Brand, aged 73, framed within an oval, a format that recalls the conventional style of depicting esteemed figures of the time. Here he is, at the height of his career, having served as both a church official and schoolmaster for 49 years. Consider what it meant to be a man of the church during this period. His attire, particularly the sober cap and dark robe, speaks to a life dedicated to religious and intellectual pursuits. Yet, the image also conveys a sense of individual character. Brand’s gaze is direct, almost challenging, hinting at a man self-aware and perhaps even a little defiant of expectations. The inscription beneath the image notes his long service in the community. How does this blend of personal identity and public service shape our understanding of Brand? His likeness is both intimate and official, inviting us to reflect on the relationship between the individual and the society they serve.