Portret van Mathias van Somer 1666

This is Nicolaus Hauublin's 1666 engraving, "Portret van Mathias van Somer," a portrait of the notable 17th-century German engraver and publisher. The print offers us a window into the cultural milieu of the period, especially regarding the representation of masculinity and professional identity. Mathias van Somer is depicted with the accoutrements of a learned, successful man: fashionable hat, long hair, and an assured gaze. His identity is entwined with his profession, proudly declared beneath his image as "Calcographus," or printmaker. It subtly challenges the rigid social hierarchies of the time, where professions were closely tied to social status. Consider how portraiture, even in print form, played a role in shaping perceptions and solidifying reputations. Van Somer, through this portrait, asserts his place in the intellectual and artistic circles of his time. The emotional resonance of this piece lies in its quiet declaration of self-worth and professional pride during a period of significant social change.