1597 - 1599
Portret van Johannes Bugenhagen
Robert Boissard
1586 - 1691Location
RijksmuseumListen to curator's interpretation
Curatorial notes
Robert Boissard created this print of Johannes Bugenhagen sometime between 1586 and 1691. Bugenhagen was a key figure in the Protestant Reformation, and this portrait encapsulates the intense religious and intellectual fervor of that period. Consider the weight of reformation and the challenge it posed to existing power structures. Boissard's engraving captures Bugenhagen in a moment of scholarly contemplation, holding a book that signifies his commitment to theological study and reform. The detailed rendering of his face, framed by simple attire, directs our attention to his intellectual and spiritual presence. The inscriptions accompanying the portrait reinforce Bugenhagen's legacy. These textual elements celebrate his role as a theologian and reformer, underscoring the historical and religious significance of his work. How does this portrait invite us to reflect on the power of individuals to shape religious and social change? Ultimately, Boissard’s work emphasizes Bugenhagen’s personal conviction and courage, and it serves as a testament to the enduring impact of the Reformation on society.