Portret van Richard Rogers 1597 - 1599

Robert Boissard created this engraving, "Portret van Richard Rogers," during a time of significant religious and intellectual upheaval. Rogers, a theologian, is framed by an oval border, which announces him as a theologian of Cambridge. Looking closely, we see Rogers holding a book, perhaps alluding to his scholarly pursuits and the dissemination of knowledge, at a time when access to information was neither free nor easy. The detailed rendering of his garments, particularly the fur-lined coat, speaks to his status and position within the social hierarchy. It's tempting to read into the somewhat somber expression on Rogers’ face, pondering the weight of religious and intellectual responsibility during this period. Boissard's portrait captures not just the likeness of a man but a moment in the history of religious thought and identity, inviting us to consider the complexities of faith, knowledge, and representation.