Portret van Pieter Isbrandi 1638 - 1708

This anonymous portrait of Pieter Isbrandi was made in the Netherlands sometime around 1687 using engraving. The portrait is framed by an oval border with Latin inscriptions indicating Isbrandi's birth and death dates, along with phrases praising him as a master of Greek and Hebrew. Isbrandi holds a pair of spectacles, a subtle yet powerful symbol of intellectualism and scholarly pursuit during the Dutch Golden Age. In the background, there is a skull and crucifix that suggests the influence of Calvinism with its somber awareness of mortality, and a focus on piety and scripture. This image tells us a lot about the social and intellectual values of the Dutch Republic. It highlights the importance of religious devotion, classical learning, and civic responsibility. To fully understand this portrait, it is essential to delve into the history of Dutch printmaking and its role in shaping public opinion, religious identity, and national pride. Resources in the Rijksmuseum's library, archive or print room would reveal similar portraits, shedding light on the visual culture of the time.