Portret van Bernardus Sandijk 1709

Jacob Gole created this portrait of Bernardus Sandijk using engraving, a printmaking technique, in the late 17th or early 18th century. This work gives us a glimpse into the identity and social structures of the Dutch Golden Age. Sandijk, a pastor in The Hague and later in Amsterdam, is depicted within an oval frame, surrounded by Latin inscriptions that speak to his virtues and status. Engravings like these were not just about capturing a likeness; they were about constructing and communicating social identity. The choice to include Latin text, for example, situates Sandijk within a tradition of learned elites. Yet, it is crucial to consider who had access to these images. The inscription at the bottom adds another layer of meaning, referencing both Sandijk's virtues and his connection to the community. It is a reminder that portraits are not just about the individual but about their place within a network of relationships and social expectations.