Portret van de schrijver en predikant Dominicus Goltzius 1670 - 1713

This is Pieter Schenk’s etching of Dominicus Goltzius, made in the late 17th or early 18th century. Goltzius was a writer and minister, a man of the cloth, and Schenk’s work can be seen in the context of the Dutch Republic's religious and intellectual life. Portraits like these served as important markers of identity and status within Dutch society. Goltzius is presented in a way that emphasizes his authority and respectability, but Schenk’s work moves beyond simple representation. There is an emotional depth, with the etching capturing a sense of Goltzius’s inner character. He looks as though he is about to speak. His hand rests on his chest; he is solemn and sincere. The text beneath the portrait adds another layer of meaning, speaking to Goltzius’s impact on his community, his words “engraved in fruitful hearts.” Schenk gives us more than just an image; he provides insight into the profound connection between Goltzius and the people he served.