Portret van Jacobus Trigland after 1648

This is a portrait of Jacobus Trigland, made by Abraham J. Conradus in the Netherlands in the mid-17th century. It is a very detailed engraving, and the use of black and white gives it a sense of gravity and seriousness. The visual codes here tell us a lot about Trigland's status and role in society. He's depicted with the attire and books that mark him as a theologian and professor at Leiden University, a key institution in Dutch intellectual life. The inscription indicates that Trigland was a prominent figure, a former pastor from Amsterdam dedicated to guiding his flock through both his words and his teachings. This was a period of intense religious and political debate in the Dutch Republic, and someone like Trigland would have been at the center of it. Understanding the nuances of this image requires knowledge of the religious and academic institutions of the time, so historical research is crucial. The meaning of this portrait is deeply embedded in the social and institutional context of the Dutch Golden Age.