Portret van Johannes Henricus Scholten 1850 - 1886

Dirk Jurriaan Sluyter created this print of Johannes Henricus Scholten at an unknown date using an engraving technique. Scholten, a Dutch theologian and professor, was a controversial figure in his time. Here, Sluyter has presented Scholten as a man of intellect, holding a book that symbolizes knowledge and learning. His stern gaze and formal attire reinforce an image of authority, characteristic of the social elite during this period. It is interesting to note that Scholten was a proponent of modern theology, which sought to reconcile religious teachings with modern science and philosophy. His ideas challenged traditional religious beliefs and sparked considerable debate within religious circles. Sluyter’s portrait, therefore, may reflect the tension between tradition and modernity that defined much of 19th-century intellectual life. The portrait is a lens through which we can explore the complexities of identity, belief, and societal change during a time of profound intellectual transformation.