Portret van Matthias Wyssius 1665 - 1712

This engraving by Johannes Meyer II depicts Matthias Wyssius within an oval frame. Consider the frame itself: since antiquity, the oculus has been employed to frame portraits of the deceased, signifying the transition between earthly and spiritual realms. Note the skull detail; memento mori are a visual reminder of mortality, urging the viewer to reflect on the transience of life. Interestingly, Wyssius is presented as a man of civic importance, the inscription indicates, and so we can imagine, for the sitter as for us, the skull is not just a morbid reminder, but also a sign of civic virtue. We are invited to reflect on the burden of leadership and the ephemerality of earthly achievements. As we turn from this image, let us take a moment to contemplate how these motifs resonate across time, reminding us of the cyclical nature of life and art.