Portret van Ladislav Révai 1645

This engraving of Ladislav Révai was created in 1645 by Elias Widemann. Révai, identified here as General Commissar, embodies the figure of the powerful, 17th century man. Yet, to see this image solely as a neutral depiction of power would be a mistake. During this period, the Kingdom of Hungary was marked by conflicts with the Ottoman Empire and internal religious tensions. Révai’s identity as a military figure is thus interwoven with these broader cultural and political struggles. The Latin inscription which translates to 'as one sows, so shall one reap' may speak to the turbulent times that shaped Révai's identity and actions. What do you feel when you examine his gaze? Does it evoke a sense of authority, of a man who lived through conflict and upheaval? This image functions as a historical document, reflecting the complex interplay between personal identity and the wider societal forces that shaped it.