Portret van Johann Lutz 1753

This is a portrait of Johann Lutz, a master preacher, etched in 1752 by Gustav Andreas Wolfgang. Here, the act of writing becomes a powerful symbol. Lutz is depicted with a quill in hand, poised over paper, hinting at intellectual activity. Writing has long been associated with creation, knowledge, and authority. We find similar motifs stretching back to antiquity, where scribes and scholars were revered figures. Lutz’s act echoes the evangelists, imbuing him with a sense of divine inspiration. Consider the evolution of this image: from ancient Egyptian scribes to medieval monks illuminating manuscripts, to Lutz capturing his thoughts. The enduring symbol of writing tells us something about humanity’s relentless need to document, to create, and to leave our mark. This deeply resonates with us because we seek to transcend our mortality.