Portret van Petrus Laurentius 1650 - 1695

This is Anthony van Zijlvelt's portrait of Petrus Laurentius, made using engraving techniques during the late 17th or early 18th century. Portraits of prominent religious figures at this time reinforced the social hierarchy and the influence of the church. The depiction of Laurentius, a member of the Society of Jesus, embodies the identity of the Catholic clergy of this period. It presents a man of the cloth with sober garments that represent the vows of poverty and obedience. However, the detailed rendering of his features suggests a nuanced approach to portraiture. It is an image that, whilst on the surface reinforces traditional social structures, also allows a glimpse into the individual humanity of its subject. It encourages viewers to question the complexities of identity within the confines of institutional roles.