Portret van Sebastian Brant c. 1597 - 1669

Cornelis Galle I created this print of Sebastian Brant, a prominent humanist and satirist, during a period of significant religious and intellectual change in Europe. Brant's attire, especially his fur hat and elaborate robe, signals his status and intellect within the social hierarchy of the time. Look at how he holds a book, a symbol of knowledge and power, reflecting the cultural value placed on learning and literature during the Renaissance. The Latin inscriptions surrounding the portrait emphasize Brant's scholarly achievements and noble character, while also marking the period of his life. Galle's engraving not only immortalizes Brant but also invites us to consider how the identities of intellectuals and artists were constructed and celebrated through visual representation during this transformative era. The detailed rendering of Brant's features captures an emotional depth, reminding us of the personal and human dimensions behind historical figures.