Portret van Simon Pistoris II 1597 - 1599

Robert Boissard created this engraving of Simon Pistoris II in the 17th century. Pistoris, a legal scholar and Saxon Chancellor, lived through a time of significant religious and political upheaval in Europe. This portrait, with its intricate details, situates Pistoris within the established hierarchies of his time. His fur-lined coat and heavy chain denote status and wealth, while the book and writing implements symbolize his intellectual pursuits and position as a man of law. The Latin inscriptions that frame the image further reinforce his erudition and authority. But consider the power dynamics at play: who had the means to commission or disseminate such images? And whose stories remain untold as a result? Boissard’s engraving not only immortalizes an individual but also provides a glimpse into the values and structures of a society grappling with questions of power, knowledge, and faith. It reminds us to reflect on the narratives that are preserved and the voices that are often left out.