Portret van H. Joannes van Keulen 1617 - 1618

Jacob Matham etched this portrait of H. Joannes van Keulen, likely in the late 16th or early 17th century. Van Keulen is depicted as a Dominican, signified by his tonsured hair and simple habit, symbols of religious devotion and detachment from worldly vanity. The tonsure, with its shorn head, echoes ancient ascetic practices, resurfacing across cultures from Buddhist monks to early Christian saints. It represents renunciation, humility, and the shedding of earthly concerns. Think of the Crown of Thorns, the ultimate sacrifice that mirrors the symbolic cutting away of the self. This image is thus not merely a depiction of a man, but a powerful evocation of centuries of spiritual seeking. The simple, unadorned habit further reinforces this theme, a visual representation of vows of poverty and a commitment to a life of simplicity. This starkness serves as a potent reminder of the spiritual path, engaging our subconscious recognition of sacrifice and dedication. These motifs create a layered emotional experience, resonating with our deepest understanding of devotion across time.