Portret van Anton Deusing 1652

This portrait of Anton Deusing, made in 1652 by Crispijn van de Passe the Younger, is an engraving. Deusing was a prominent physician and professor at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. The visual codes in this portrait signal Deusing's status and intellectual achievements. The Latin inscription emphasizes his titles and affiliations, reflecting the importance of classical learning in 17th-century academic culture. His clothing is modest yet refined, befitting a man of science and standing. The portrait was likely commissioned by the university or a patron to commemorate Deusing's contributions. Such portraits played a crucial role in shaping the public image of scholars and institutions. The history of science and medicine in the Dutch Republic provides essential context for this artwork. The Dutch Golden Age saw significant advances in these fields, and universities like Groningen were at the forefront of intellectual innovation. Accessing archival records from the University of Groningen might reveal more about the circumstances surrounding the commission of this portrait. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.