Portret van Johannes Faulhaber op 50-jarige leeftijd 1630

This print, made by Sebastian Furck, depicts Johannes Faulhaber at 50 years old. It offers a glimpse into the world of mathematics and engineering in the early 17th century. Faulhaber, a self-taught mathematician, lived during a time of great intellectual and scientific change. The print reflects his identity as a respected figure, an " Ehrnvesten Hochachtbaren und Kunstreichen" man. We see him holding his tools, surrounded by symbols of his trade. Consider the societal expectations placed upon men of intellect during this period. How did Faulhaber navigate these expectations, and how did his work challenge or reinforce existing power structures? The inscription praises his ingenuity and fertility of mind, yet hints at the exclusivity of knowledge, asking how he might share great secrets with the world. It invites us to consider the tension between individual brilliance and the broader dissemination of knowledge. How does this tension play out in our own time?