Portret van Johannes Philippus Pareus 1642

Paul de Zetter created this portrait of Johannes Philippus Pareus, a theologian and philosopher, through engraving. The piece reflects the social importance of religious scholarship and the representation of intellectual figures during the 17th century. The print subtly engages with the dynamics of power and knowledge. Pareus is depicted holding a book, an object that signifies learning and authority. The Latin inscriptions surrounding the portrait enhance his image as a figure of scholarly importance, reinforcing the historical context in which religious and philosophical knowledge was primarily the domain of men. The detailed rendering of his features suggests an attempt to capture not just his likeness, but also his essence as a learned individual. In viewing this portrait today, we might consider how historical representations of authority influence our perceptions of intellectual and religious figures. The artwork encapsulates the reverence for knowledge that was characteristic of its time, inviting us to reflect on the values and power structures that shaped its creation.