Portret van Ulrich Hofmann met kalligrafie 1634 - 1657

Andreas Kohl’s “Portret van Ulrich Hofmann met kalligrafie” is an engraving on paper, created in 1669. During the 17th century, portraits were visual declarations of status, intellect, and affiliation, particularly for the sitter and their community. In this instance, Ulrich Hofmann is framed by symbols of his intellectual pursuits, labeled as an arithmetician and geometer. The cherubic figures at the top corners hold mathematical instruments, reinforcing the image of Hofmann as a man of knowledge and reason. Encircling the portrait, elaborate calligraphy adds a layer of artistry and sophistication, emphasizing the value placed on erudition during the period. Portraits like these served not only as personal commemorations but also as embodiments of the values prized by the elite. They reflect the intersections of identity, knowledge, and status. The inscriptions below Hofmann’s image speak to a cosmic understanding—an eternal quality achieved through earthly pursuits. The visual and textual elements coalesce, presenting Hofmann as a figure deeply connected to both the mathematical precision of the earth and the boundless expanses of the heavens.