Portret van Salomon Lenz 1631

This engraving of Salomon Lenzel by Lucas Kilian, made in 1631, presents us with a portrait framed by symbols of his office as a reverend. The book he holds signifies not just literacy but a connection to sacred knowledge and divine wisdom, a common symbol for evangelists. The act of holding a book appears in different guises throughout history. Consider the ancient philosophers, often depicted with scrolls, embodying intellectual authority. This symbol transcends time, yet its meaning subtly shifts. Here, it is less about individual wisdom and more about the transmission of religious doctrine. Observe how the text encircling the portrait invokes a sense of eternal vigilance and excellence. Such inscriptions remind us of the power of words to immortalize and sanctify. These are not merely labels, but invocations, designed to resonate with the viewer's subconscious belief in divine order. The cyclical nature of symbols is evident, resurfacing in new contexts, each time imbued with evolving cultural and emotional significance.