Portret van Johann Schulte 1691

Pieter van den Berge’s portrait of Johann Schulte, made in 1691, is abundant with symbols of status and intellect. Schulte’s hand rests upon a sculpture of a winged head, a common symbol of inspiration and divine thought. We see echoes of such figures in ancient Greek depictions of Eros, or Cupid. In the Renaissance, these motifs resurfaced, often adorning the studies of humanists and scholars, representing enlightenment and the pursuit of knowledge. Note the open book on the table, too, a clear symbol of erudition and wisdom. The sculpture, like the book, goes beyond mere ornamentation. It reflects the subject’s inner world and aspirations. The visual language, charged with classical references, subtly conveys Schulte’s self-perception and the values he wished to project, engaging viewers on a deeper level. The cyclical progression of this winged figure, initially associated with divine love, evolved into an emblem of intellectual inspiration.