Portret van Galenus Abrahamsz. de Haan 1706 - 1731

This engraving of Galenus Abrahamsz de Haan was made by Pieter van Gunst, likely around the early 18th century. De Haan was a doctor and a teacher of the Mennonite congregation in Amsterdam. Looking at this image, we should consider the role of religious communities in Dutch society. The Netherlands was known for its relative tolerance, yet religious minorities still faced exclusion and discrimination. The Mennonites, for example, were a group that prioritized separation from the world. This image, commissioned by the community, served as a powerful tool for community members and to promote their values. The engraving is a form of visual rhetoric, presenting de Haan as a respectable figure and advocating for the Mennonite cause. To fully understand this print, we can look into the history of religious nonconformity in the Netherlands and the role of portraiture in shaping public opinion.