Portret van een geestelijke met bril c. 1880

This is a photographic portrait of a clergyman wearing glasses, captured by Léonard Hubert Zeyen. The presence of spectacles is most striking. Once rare and precious, now commonplace, spectacles were once the reserve of learned men, scribes, and clergy. Think of images of Saint Jerome at his desk, his spectacles perched upon his nose as he translates scripture. In both instances, the glasses denote intellectual pursuit and spiritual insight, suggesting a man dedicated to higher learning and understanding. These circular lenses might also speak to broader cultural memory, evoking ancient symbols of cycles, wholeness, and enlightenment. It’s remarkable how such simple, functional objects can carry layers of historical and cultural weight, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. This is a simple portrait, yet it evokes centuries of associations tied to knowledge, perception, and spiritual understanding.