Portret van Herman Faukelius op 67-jarige leeftijd 1631

Daniël van den Bremden created this engraving, a portrait of Herman Faukelius, likely sometime in the early 17th century. It offers us a glimpse into the visual and textual strategies used to construct identity and commemorate individuals during the Dutch Golden Age. Faukelius, a minister, is framed by an inscription that speaks to his virtues and divine service, reflecting the intertwined nature of religious and social status in the Dutch Republic. The elaborate collar and sombre robe signal respectability and learning. Yet, the text below, in Latin, elevates him beyond earthly status, suggesting his spirit transcends human limitations. Consider how this portrait serves not just as a likeness, but as an idealized representation. It presents Faukelius as a figure of authority and piety. The emotional impact lies in the tension between the man’s physical presence and the spiritual qualities attributed to him. This portrait invites reflection on the values and beliefs that shaped the identities of individuals within the historical context of the time.