Portret van Samuel Urlsperger 1750

This is a portrait of Samuel Urlsperger by Gustav Andreas Wolfgang, made in 1692. The engraving captures Urlsperger, an influential theologian and senior minister, holding a book that symbolizes his evangelical commitment during a period of significant religious and intellectual change in Europe. Wolfgang’s work reflects the intersection of religious identity and social status during the 17th and 18th centuries. Urlsperger, through his prominent role in the church, also participated in discussions around social welfare, and he maintained complex relationships with the communities he served. Note the way that Wolfgang has captured Urlsperger's gaze, holding the book, as if in a moment of contemplation. How does the portrait invite reflection on the responsibilities of religious figures in shaping societal norms and individual beliefs? The engraving, in its meticulous detail, prompts us to consider the complex layers of identity, faith, and societal influence.