Portret van Jacobus Gaillardus 1688 - 1695

Anthony van Zijlvelt created this portrait of Jacobus Gaillardus with engraving, likely towards the end of the 17th century. Gaillardus, a professor of philosophy and theology at the University of Leiden, is depicted within an oval frame, surrounded by Latin and Greek inscriptions which speak to his intellectual stature and virtuous character. During this era, the Dutch Republic was a hub of intellectual and artistic innovation, yet access to these circles was heavily determined by class and social standing. Gaillardus, as a professor, occupies a privileged position in society, marked by his formal attire and the elaborate wig, common amongst the elite. The portrait reflects the societal emphasis on education and intellectual achievement, but also the rigid social hierarchies of the time. While this engraving immortalizes Gaillardus, it also serves as a reminder of who was—and was not—included in the historical record. The emotional depth of the portrait lies not just in Gaillardus's likeness, but in the broader narrative of power, knowledge, and representation that it embodies.