Portret van Johann Stadius met globe en passers 1537 - 1579

This small print, whose creator is unknown, depicts Johann Stadius, likely dating back to the 16th century, a time when the humanist movement was flourishing. Stadius was a renowned astronomer, astrologer, mathematician, and historian, positioning him within a nexus of intellectual pursuits that defined the era's elite. The print itself is divided into two sections. On the left, we see Stadius in profile, his gaze intense, framed by an inscription bearing his name. To the right, a globe and a set of compasses are illustrated, symbolizing his mastery over the cosmos. The inscription here reads 'Sapiens dominabitur astris' – the wise man will rule the stars. It speaks to the humanist ambition to understand and control the natural world. The choice of Latin for the inscription and the classical composition are a nod to the revival of classical knowledge. This piece presents an idealized vision of masculine intellect and authority, reflective of the gendered power dynamics of the time. It encapsulates an era marked by both intellectual curiosity and deeply ingrained social hierarchies.