Portret van Salomon Hirzel 1652 - 1669

Conrad Meyer created this portrait of Salomon Hirzel with engraving around 1652. The image celebrates Hirzel as a pillar of the Republic of Zurich, then known as Tigurina. The Latin inscriptions that frame Hirzel's image and a poem below, elevate him as a consul, strategist, and father of the country, emphasizing his wisdom and civic virtue. Portraits like this reinforced social hierarchies and promoted a specific image of leadership within the Republic. This carefully constructed image of Hirzel reflected the values of the ruling elite, who were keen to legitimize their authority through visual representation. Meyer's work thus acted as a form of political communication. To understand this image better, research into the history of the Republic of Zurich and the role of its leading families would reveal much. This image is more than just a likeness; it's a window into the social and political values of its time.