Portret van H. Jan van Osterwijk 1617 - 1618

This engraving of H. Jan van Osterwijk was made by Jacob Matham in the Netherlands sometime between 1593 and 1631. Matham was a leading printmaker of the Dutch Golden Age, a period that saw the Netherlands become a major economic and cultural power. This image uses visual cues to communicate Osterwijk's status as a canon regular, someone who adheres to the rules of a monastery. He is dressed in the garb of his order, and the Latin inscription below the portrait further emphasizes his piety. The print was made during a time of religious and political upheaval in the Netherlands, as the Dutch fought for independence from Spain. Images like this one played an important role in shaping public opinion and promoting certain religious and political ideals. By studying such images, alongside other historical sources, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex social and political forces that shaped the art of the Dutch Golden Age.