Portret van Johannes Agricola II op 54-jarige leeftijd 1643 - 1699

This is an engraving of Johannes Agricola II at 54 years old, made in 1643 by an anonymous artist. Agricola, a physician and philosopher, is depicted here within an oval frame, his gaze steady and assured. Consider the historical context: the 17th century was a time of immense intellectual ferment, with the rise of scientific inquiry. Agricola, as a doctor, was at the intersection of traditional knowledge and emerging empirical methods. Note his attire and the medal he wears; symbols of status, learning, and affiliation, signaling his position within a hierarchical society. The inscription that frames the portrait is in Latin, underscoring the exclusive culture of intellectual elites at the time. The text translates to something like ‘Here you may see the shape of Doctor Agricola, a noble and skillful man of medicine.' This image isn't just a portrait; it's a carefully constructed representation of identity and social standing in the 17th century.