Portret van dominee Bartholomaeus Rülichs 1617

Dominicus Custos crafted this engraving of Bartholomaeus Rülichs in 1617. Note the book held reverently in his hands, a symbol laden with meaning. The book isn't merely an object; it's the embodiment of knowledge and divine wisdom. Throughout history, books have represented enlightenment, guidance, and truth. We see it echoed in countless Renaissance portraits, where scholars and saints alike clutch texts, signaling their erudition and piety. But observe how the meaning subtly shifts: in earlier depictions, a saint might hold a bible, signifying direct divine revelation; here, the minister’s grasp suggests a more personal interpretation and understanding. The gesture evokes a deeper, perhaps subconscious, connection. It calls to mind the ancient philosophers, cradling scrolls, seeking universal truths. This act of holding—of cherishing knowledge—becomes a timeless symbol, a 'pathos formula,' recurring through epochs, evolving yet retaining its core essence. This persistent motif speaks to our collective memory, a psychological echo resonating across generations.