Portret van Jan van Buyten, op 62-jarige leeftijd 1674

Arnold van Westerhout created this engraving of Jan van Buyten in 1674. It presents us with a view into the world of science and learning in the Dutch Golden Age. Van Buyten, a physician and anatomy lecturer, is depicted amidst the tools and symbols of his trade. The image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations of the period. The presence of anatomical specimens, like the skeleton and dissected figure, speaks to the burgeoning field of anatomical study at the time, driven by the rise of scientific societies and medical institutions. The Dutch Republic, known for its progressive intellectual climate, allowed for a greater degree of scientific inquiry than many of its contemporaries. This engraving not only celebrates Van Buyten's individual achievements, but also comments on the social structures of its own time, reflecting the era's progressive attitudes toward science and knowledge. Further research into Dutch scientific societies and medical schools of the 17th century would provide a deeper understanding of the social and institutional context that shaped this work.