Portret van Sigismund Feyerabend 1587

This is Johann Sadeler’s portrait of Sigismund Feyerabend, made in 1587, immortalizing the renowned bookseller with the tools of his trade. Observe the figure of Fama, or Fame, floating above, heralding his reputation, trumpet raised in eternal announcement. This winged messenger, a motif stretching back to antiquity, reappears across epochs, heralding heroes and disseminating truth. Yet, her allegorical presence suggests more than mere recognition; it speaks to a deeper yearning for lasting remembrance. Consider how Fama's role evolves: from a divine messenger in Ovid to a symbol of public opinion during the Renaissance. Her trumpet, a symbol of proclamation, is also one of potential deception, echoing our collective anxiety about reputation and legacy. Note that similar figures and gestures appear in ancient Greek amphorae or Roman sculptures, demonstrating how the echoes of gestures and symbols resonate through time, embodying humanity's enduring quest for recognition and permanence.