Portret van Jacob Basnage 1673 - 1731

Pieter van Gunst created this engraving of Jacobus Basnage sometime between 1659 and 1724. Basnage, a Huguenot pastor, found himself a refugee due to the persecution of Protestants in France following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685. In this print, the formal presentation and elaborate wig speak to Basnage's status within his community, yet they also hint at the complex negotiations of identity faced by religious refugees during this period. How does one maintain dignity and authority while living in exile? The careful rendering of his garments and facial expression suggests a man determined to preserve his sense of self despite displacement. Consider the emotional weight of such a portrait: it serves not only as a record of Basnage’s likeness, but also as a testament to the resilience and adaptability required of those who are forced to rebuild their lives in unfamiliar lands. It's a reminder of the deeply personal dimensions of historical events.