Portrait of a Man 1895

Timothy Cole made this engraving, *Portrait of a Man*, sometime in the 17th century, during a period of immense social upheaval. We see a man of stature, evidenced by his confident pose and costly attire—a stark contrast to the era’s widespread poverty and class struggles. His identity, however, remains elusive, which compels us to consider the narratives we construct around historical figures. In this period, the prevailing visual culture often reinforced rigid social hierarchies, with portraiture serving as a tool to solidify power. Consider how the very act of creating and displaying portraits like these served to maintain a certain status. While this portrait presents a traditional representation of authority, it also subtly hints at the complexities inherent in portraying identity during a time of significant change. How does it make you feel to look at someone from so long ago?