Portret van de predikant Florentius Costerus 1670 - 1726

This engraving of Florentius Costerus was made by Gerard Valck in the Netherlands, likely around the turn of the 18th century. In this period, the Dutch Republic was a major center for printing and publishing, and portraits like these were a popular way to commemorate important figures. The codes of dress and presentation tell us about Costerus’s social standing. His garb is simple and clerical, framed by the trappings of wealth. His hair is carefully curled and framed by a cap. The Rijksmuseum, like other encyclopedic museums, plays a role in shaping our understanding of Dutch history and culture. Historians rely on archival research, including period newspapers, publications, and institutional records, to understand the social and cultural context in which artworks like this were produced and consumed. These sources help us to interpret the image’s meanings for its original audience and reflect on its significance today.