Portret van Anton Haaseck 1633 - 1673

Coenraet Waumans created this portrait of Anton Haaseck as an engraving. Haaseck, who lived to the age of 125, was the pastor of Gulen in the Diocese of Liège for one hundred years. Waumans’s work operates within the visual language of the 17th century Dutch Republic. While portraits of religious figures were common, this print also captures the tensions of its time, marked by religious conflicts and the rise of individual piety. Haaseck’s longevity becomes a symbol of steadfast faith in a period of upheaval. The inscription notes he abstained from three things: women, drunkenness, and wrath. It’s intriguing that Haaseck felt these were the keys to a long life, especially in light of contemporary concerns about piety and morality. What does it say about the societal norms of the time, that a long life should abstain from relationships, socialising and anger? The emotional weight of the piece comes from the figure’s quiet dignity, perhaps inviting us to reflect on the sacrifices and choices that define a life dedicated to faith.