Banderol met titel en twee mannenkoppen met baarden 1626

Johann Heinrich Schönfeld created this print, "Banderol met titel en twee mannenkoppen met baarden," sometime in the 17th century. The work offers us a glimpse into the artist's world and the prevailing social constructs of the time. During this period, the visual representation of men was often associated with power, wisdom, and authority. Beards, in particular, were a symbol of masculinity and maturity. The choice to depict two bearded men may reflect a desire to convey a sense of established knowledge, or perhaps to subtly engage with the complex politics of gender and representation. In the context of Schönfeld's broader body of work, which frequently explores historical and mythological themes, this print invites us to consider how artists both perpetuated and subtly challenged the norms of their time. It reflects the emotional depth and the inherent biases embedded in historical portraiture.