Portret van Godefridus Cornelisz Udemans 1635

This is Joannes Sarragon’s engraving of Godefridus Cornelisz Udemans, made in 1633. Udemans, a pastor of the church in Zierikzee, is framed by an oval inscribed with his name and title. The portrait gives us a glimpse into the world of the 17th century Dutch Reformed Church, a time of religious and political upheaval. Udemans was a theologian known for his strict Calvinist views and writings against religious tolerance. The Latin text surrounding his image speaks to virtues like simplicity and prudence, reflecting the values upheld within his religious community. As we consider Udemans's role in shaping religious thought, we might reflect on how power dynamics play out in the construction of identity and the imposition of moral codes. How did Udemans’s own sense of self intersect with his religious beliefs? What emotions are captured in his portrait? It gives us a moment to reflect on the complexities of belief, identity, and the lasting impact of historical figures.