Portret van Jan Snellinck 1628 - 1670

Pieter de Jode II created this engraving, *Portret van Jan Snellinck*, in the 17th century. Consider how the visual language of portraiture in the Dutch Golden Age was deeply intertwined with expressions of identity and social standing. Snellinck, with his hand clasped to his chest, isn’t merely posing; he’s embodying a specific kind of learned masculinity. His gaze, directed off to the side, suggests contemplation and intellect. De Jode, as the engraver, plays a crucial role here. Through his skilled lines, he's not just reproducing an image, but actively constructing Snellinck's persona for public consumption. The choice of engraving itself speaks to a desire for wider circulation. Unlike a unique painted portrait, prints could disseminate Snellinck’s image and, by extension, his status. Who was this image for? What did it mean to see yourself represented in such a way, or to consume images of the learned elite? This portrait invites us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in image-making and circulation.