Portret van H. Theodorus van der Eem 1617 - 1618

Jacob Matham created this engraving, "Portret van H. Theodorus van der Eem," at the turn of the 17th century. The work immortalizes Theodorus van der Eem, a man who turned away from worldly riches to serve the sisterhood of Saint Agnes in the Dutch city of Gorcum. Consider the era in which Matham lived; The Eighty Years’ War was underway, with the Dutch Republic fighting for independence from Spain. Van der Eem lived during a time of significant religious and political upheaval and chose a life of devotion and service. Matham's detailed engraving immortalizes Van der Eem, yet it also speaks volumes about the values of the time, the tensions between material wealth and spiritual commitment, and the roles individuals played in the religious landscape. The inscription in Latin praises Van der Eem’s rejection of wealth and honor, underlining the spiritual values of the time. It’s a window into a life lived in service of others, a choice that still resonates today.