Portret van Jodokus Frisch 1624 - 1672

Matthias van Sommer created this engraving titled 'Portret van Jodokus Frisch'. This portrait provides a glimpse into the cultural and religious life of its time. The artwork depicts Jodokus Frisch, a figure of evident importance, possibly a clergyman or scholar, indicated by his attire and the book he holds open. Frisch is framed within an oval, surrounded by inscriptions that speak to his life and virtues. The text that accompanies the image emphasizes his role within the church and his dedication to spreading the word of God. The deliberate choice to include detailed inscriptions in Latin highlights the subject's education and the importance of religious texts. Portraits such as this served to immortalize individuals, but they also reflected societal values and the significance of religious identity in the 17th century. How does the portrayal of Jodokus Frisch invite us to consider the relationship between individual identity, religious authority, and the transmission of knowledge in his era?