Portret van Philipp Jacob Spener 1775

This engraving of Philipp Jacob Spener was made in 1738 by Johanna Dorothea Sysang. Spener was a leading Lutheran theologian, and the work gives us a glimpse into the world of 18th century German religious life. The print is full of visual cues that speak to Spener's status and beliefs. The oval frame and inscription emphasize his importance, while his clerical garb signals his religious role. Made in the German territories, this image reflects the religious and intellectual debates of the time. Spener was a key figure in the Pietist movement, which emphasized personal piety and religious experience, against the rigid orthodox Lutheranism. To fully understand this portrait, we can delve into the history of Pietism, its impact on German society, and its relationship with the religious establishment. Researching the institutions and social networks that supported Spener and his followers gives us a better understanding of the complex world in which this image was made.