Portret van de doopsgezinde predikant Abraham Verduin 1743

This is Jan Caspar Philips’s print of Abraham Verduin, a Mennonite preacher, made in 1743. Philips created this print during a time when the Dutch Republic was a significant center for religious tolerance, especially for groups like the Mennonites who faced persecution elsewhere. The portrait is framed by architectural elements, flanked by open books displaying biblical verses, which creates a sense of reverence. Verduin is depicted with a somber yet kind expression, his attire reflecting the modesty associated with his religious beliefs. Below the portrait there is a poem praising Verduin’s virtues. The inclusion of a poem underneath the portrait speaks to the cultural emphasis on religious piety and the written word as a means of conveying moral and spiritual values. This print offers insight into the dynamics between religious identity, community values, and the broader socio-political context of the Dutch Republic, encapsulating a moment where faith and civic life converged.