Portret van Henricus van Wesel 1688

Christiaan Hagen made this print, *Portret van Henricus van Wesel*, in 1688. At the time, the Dutch Republic was a major power in Europe, enjoying a Golden Age of trade, science, and the arts. The portrait depicts Henricus van Wesel, a minister, at the age of 37. The book, inkwell, and curtain are traditional symbols of learning and status. Van Wesel’s identity and the cultural context are deeply intertwined in this artwork, reflecting the values and beliefs of the time. His clothing and the setting underscore his position within the religious and intellectual community. He is both a figure of authority and a man devoted to study and contemplation. Portraits like this, however, leave some questions unanswered. What were the struggles and triumphs of the sitter? What were the experiences and perspectives of the less privileged? Hagen's portrait offers a glimpse into the life and times of a prominent individual, yet it also invites us to consider the untold stories.