Portret van de theoloog Johann Gunther 1670 - 1713

This is Pieter Schenk’s portrait of Johann Gunther, made with etching and printed with burin. The print offers us a glimpse into the cultural and religious landscape of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Gunther, a theologian and preacher, embodies the intellectual and spiritual values of his time. His identity, deeply rooted in his religious role, reflects the societal structures where the church was central to community life. The Latin inscription, ‘Non dormit qui custodit’, meaning ‘He who guards does not sleep’, speaks to the vigilance expected of religious figures during a period marked by theological debates and social change. Schenk’s work captures not only Gunther's likeness but also the weight of his societal position. It is a visual record of a man whose life was dedicated to religious scholarship during an era of significant intellectual and social transformation. Consider how Gunther’s stern gaze and formal attire communicate the gravity of his vocation and the expectations placed upon him.