Portret van Johann Georg Volkmar 1597 - 1599

This is Robert Boissard's portrait of Johann Georg Volkmar, made as an engraving. The image captures Volkmar, a Doctor of Theology and Professor, likely in Wittenberg, within a formal frame adorned with inscriptions. Portraits in the 17th century, especially those of academics and theologians, played a crucial role in constructing and maintaining social hierarchies. The stern expression and formal attire signal Volkmar's status and authority within the Protestant religious and academic community. In Germany at the time, the Reformation had radically altered the religious landscape, creating a demand for educated theologians and professors. This portrait, with its classical references, reinforces the subject's intellectual gravitas. To understand this image, we might consult university archives, theological texts, and social histories of the period. Only then can we appreciate how it reflects the social and institutional values of its time.