Portret van Johann Melchior Wyss 1678 - 1689

Conrad Meyer created this print of Johann Melchior Wyss sometime in the 17th century. Meyer was working in a unique political climate in Switzerland during this time. How might we understand this image through its institutional context? During the 17th century, Switzerland was a confederation of cantons, each with its own government and customs. Zurich, where Wyss was a prominent citizen, was a center of the Protestant Reformation, and the city's government was heavily influenced by religious leaders. This print, therefore, can be seen as a product of a society deeply invested in religious and civic virtue. The inscription below the portrait, along with Wyss's clothing and the book in his hand, reinforces this image of a man devoted to God and his community. To understand this image further, one might consult archives of the Zurich city government and the records of the local church to understand Wyss’s role in the community. This artwork is a window into the social and religious values of 17th-century Zurich.