Portret van Balthasar von Herden op 70-jarige leeftijd 1641 - 1665

This is Johann Friedrich Fleischberger’s portrait of Balthasar von Herden at the age of 70, an engraving of the 17th century. Von Herden, a doctor, is framed in an ornate oval border, his face bearing the weight of his seventy years. Consider the role of portraiture in solidifying identity and status during this period. Von Herden's identity as a doctor is proclaimed. Yet, there's more here than just profession. The Latin inscription speaks of life, recognition, and a heavenly homeland, hinting at the complex interplay between earthly achievements and spiritual aspirations. Fleischberger, while immortalizing von Herden, also captures the cultural values of the time - a blend of personal identity, professional standing, and religious devotion. In von Herden’s weary gaze, we might find not just a historical figure, but a mirror reflecting our own search for meaning. The personal and the historical intertwine, inviting us to ponder the stories etched in every face.