Portret van Johannes de Mey 1677 - 1679

This engraving depicts Johannes de Mey, and was made by Joannes de Jongh, likely in the mid-17th century. De Mey was a pastor, professor of theology, medicine and philosophy, making him something of a polymath. Looking at this portrait, we might consider the status of such academic figures in Dutch society during the Golden Age. The placement of text around de Mey’s portrait suggests a desire to establish his credentials, marking him as a figure of intellectual authority. The book he holds acts as a prop, underscoring his learning and erudition. Interestingly, such portraits circulated widely as prints. This raises questions about how the institutions of art and education intersect. Did the proliferation of images of learned figures like de Mey help to promote intellectual values within Dutch society? To understand this image better, we might research the history of Dutch universities and the role of religious figures in shaping intellectual life. We might also investigate the print market and the circulation of such images. What can this tell us about the public role of art at the time?