Portret van Samuel Pomarius 1683 - 1721

This is Christian Romstet’s portrait of Samuel Pomarius, made using etching. Pomarius, a superintendent in the Lutheran Church, lived during a period of significant religious and political conflict following the Reformation. What I find arresting is how this portrait encapsulates the complex relationship between religious authority and individual identity during the 17th century. Look closely, and you'll notice the meticulous detail in his attire, symbolizing his status and the rigid social hierarchies of the time. Yet, there's also a profound sense of individual character in his gaze. The weight of religious and social expectation seems palpable. Portraits like this were not just representations; they performed an important cultural function. They reinforced societal norms, particularly concerning masculinity, religious piety, and social standing. But I wonder, did Pomarius feel represented by this image? What aspects of his identity might have been omitted? How did the artist's own beliefs shape this portrayal?