Ephraim Bonus, Jewish Physician c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have Jan Lievens' portrait of "Ephraim Bonus, Jewish Physician." It's rendered with such delicate lines. What stands out to me is the interplay of light and shadow, particularly how it models his face. What can you tell me about this portrait? Curator: It's interesting how Lievens, as a non-Jewish artist, portrays Bonus. Consider the social context: was this an objective representation, or did societal biases influence the depiction? How might the intended audience have interpreted this image of a Jewish physician? Editor: So, it's not just about the artistic skill, but also about the social and political lens through which it was created and viewed? Curator: Precisely. The public role of portraiture is multifaceted. It serves to commemorate but also to shape perceptions. Examining these layers helps us understand the painting's complete story.