Portret van predikant Caspar Streso 1654 - 1658

Jan Lievens created this print, *Portrait of Preacher Caspar Streso*, using etching, a printmaking technique that renders fine details, and drypoint, which gives the image soft, velvety shadows. This portrait encapsulates the complex relationship between religious authority and individual identity in the 17th century. During this period, preachers held considerable social and moral power, yet each person grappled with their faith. Streso’s somber gaze and the book in his hand suggest a man of deep thought and conviction. Notice how Lievens captures the texture of the preacher’s garments, the meticulous rendering of his ruff, and the subtle lines etched to show the contours of his face. These details not only capture Streso’s likeness but hint at his social standing and the values he embodies. How does the interplay between the intimate details of Streso’s expression and the symbols of his authority affect your understanding of his role and his inner self? Consider this portrait as a reflection on the weight of faith and the burden of leadership during a time of profound social and religious change.