Portret van Martinus Pauw 1682

This is Romeyn de Hooghe’s portrait of Martinus Pauw, rendered in printmaking. De Hooghe was working in the Dutch Golden Age, a time when the Netherlands was a global center for trade and art. Portraits such as these were often commissioned by wealthy individuals, or, as in this case, to commemorate achievements. Here, the Latin text celebrates Pauw’s roles as a lawyer, alderman, and counselor. But the visual language of this portrait goes beyond the individual. It's filled with allegorical figures and symbols representing virtues and accomplishments, situating Pauw within a broader narrative of civic duty and prosperity. Note the cherubic figures and the elaborate coat of arms above him. While portraits of this era often highlight the status and achievements of the sitter, they also offer a glimpse into the values and aspirations of Dutch society at the time. What does it mean to frame individual identity within a larger picture of communal values? This print invites us to reflect on the relationship between personal identity, societal expectations, and the narratives we construct about ourselves and others.