Portret van Johannes Philippus Pareus 1628

This is Matthäus Merian's engraving of Johannes Philippus Pareus, created in 1628. The print captures Pareus, a figure of considerable scholarly and religious importance during the early 17th century, and his portrait provides a window into the era's intellectual and spiritual landscape. As a professor of theology, Pareus was part of the Protestant clergy, which held significant social and political influence. His stern gaze and formal attire speak to the importance of religious and academic authority. The book he holds symbolizes knowledge, a key attribute for men of his stature. However, the portrayal is more than a mere record; it is a statement about the subject's identity and place within the societal hierarchy of the time. The Latin inscriptions surrounding the portrait elevate Pareus, constructing a narrative of piety and scholarly achievement. The emotional undercurrent of the piece is its focus on male lineage and intellectual inheritance. It encapsulates the deep-seated values of a society where lineage and learning were cornerstones of power and prestige.