Portret van Frederick Spanheim 1687 - 1691

This is Jonas Suyderhoef’s portrait of Frederick Spanheim, made in the Dutch Republic sometime in the mid-17th century. Spanheim was a prominent Calvinist theologian and professor, and this print would have circulated amongst an educated public interested in religious matters. The image creates meaning through visual codes of status and learning. Spanheim is depicted in the garb of a scholar, his dress and bearing communicating authority. The Latin inscription reinforces this impression, celebrating his achievements. The Dutch Republic in this period was a centre of intellectual life, but also riven by religious and political divisions. Calvinism was the dominant religion, shaping social structures and political debates. Spanheim himself was involved in controversies, defending orthodox Calvinist doctrine. Prints such as this one played a role in constructing reputations and solidifying alliances within these debates. To understand this image better, one could research the history of Calvinism in the Netherlands, the role of universities in shaping intellectual life, and the print culture of the Dutch Golden Age. Approaching art with an eye to its social and institutional context reveals its role in shaping public opinion.