Portret van Paul Hochfelder 1600

This is Christoffel van Sichem I’s engraving, “Portrait of Paul Hochfelder,” made in 1589. As a print, this artwork exists as a product of its time, indicative of the social and political importance of portraiture in the 16th century. The print immortalizes Hochfelder, a legal official of Strasbourg. The artist uses the language of classical allegory to frame Hochfelder’s identity. Personifications of Prudence and Justice flank Hochfelder, who appears as a man of faith, law, and reason. He stands as a pillar of the community, embodying valued virtues of the period. Yet, the intimate scale of the print also speaks to the personal nature of portraiture. As such, it expresses a desire to preserve likeness and memory. The inscription makes reference to Hochfelder’s mortality, yet emphasizes that his soul will live eternally. Consider how this small print transcends its time, allowing us to engage with the memory of Paul Hochfelder today.