Portret van Elias Holl op 47-jarige leeftijd 1619

Lucas Kilian's portrait of Elias Holl, created around 1619, captures the architect at the age of 47, a period marked by significant shifts in European architecture and urban planning. Holl, as city architect of Augsburg, Germany, was a prominent figure in shaping the city's landscape during the early 17th century. This print provides insight into the cultural values placed on architects at the time, portraying Holl with the tools of his trade and a detailed plan, symbolizing knowledge and authority. Positioned within an ornate frame, Holl's gaze is direct and engaging, projecting an image of confidence. The elaborate details and symbolic elements within the portrait reflect a society deeply rooted in tradition, yet beginning to embrace the burgeoning ideas of the Renaissance. Consider how this image of Holl, immortalized in print, serves not only as a personal commemoration but also as a statement about the power and legacy of architecture in shaping civic identity.