Portret van Jacobus Arminius 1609 - 1636

This is an engraved portrait of Jacobus Arminius, likely made shortly after his death in 1609. Its fine lines were achieved by an anonymous artist, through the meticulous, skilled tradition of metal engraving. Consider the labor involved. The design was incised into a copper plate, a painstaking process requiring specialized tools, immense patience, and a steady hand. Ink would then be applied, the surface wiped clean, and the remaining ink transferred to paper under immense pressure in a printing press. Prints like these democratized imagery in the early modern period. Unlike unique paintings, engravings could be reproduced and distributed widely, acting as a crucial means of disseminating information and shaping public perception. In this case, the image would have served to commemorate Arminius, a controversial theologian, and promote his teachings. So, next time you see an engraving, remember to appreciate the artistry and labor involved in its making, and the social and political context that gave it meaning.