Portret van Johan Sems 1623

This is Christoffel van Sichem’s 1623 engraving, a portrait of Johan Sems, a cartographer of the Dutch Golden Age. The portrait provides insight into the cultural values and intellectual pursuits of the period. Sems is depicted with the tools of his trade: a globe and a pair of dividers, symbols of his expertise in mapping and spatial understanding. These details communicate the sitter's intellectual identity and profession. The Latin inscription indicates that Sems was 51 years old at the time, situating him within a specific moment in his life. The coat of arms and motto reference the importance of reason and measurement in understanding the natural world. Consider how Sems is presented, not merely as an individual, but as a figure embodying the era's commitment to scientific exploration and reason. The portrait emphasizes the individual's role in shaping our understanding of the world.