Portret van Georg Henisch op 51-jarige leeftijd 1579 - 1615

Dominicus Custos made this engraving of Georg Henisch around 1610, a time when the printing press was transforming the circulation of knowledge across Europe. Prints like these played a crucial role in shaping public perception, particularly of scholars and public figures. Henisch, a 51-year-old physician and mathematician, is presented here framed by Latin inscriptions praising his labour and divine grace. The level of detail suggests the growing importance of individual achievement during the Renaissance. Engravings like this one speak to the social and intellectual values of the time. They are powerful sources for understanding the history of science, medicine, and the public role of intellectuals. Resources like letters, publications, and institutional records can further enrich our understanding of both the artist and his sitter, placing them within the broader context of early modern society.