Portret van Johannes Calvijn 1788

Reinier Vinkeles created this print of Johannes Calvin. The somber clothing is telling of the Protestant values Calvin espoused. His severe expression conveys conviction, characteristic of a leader during the Reformation. The hat and beard are visual markers that connect Calvin to earlier images of philosophers and religious figures. Beards, for example, signified wisdom and authority going back to antiquity, appearing across various cultures from depictions of Greek philosophers to Old Testament prophets. Likewise, the scholar’s cap, or pileus, has been associated with wisdom. This head covering marks intellectuals in diverse cultural contexts, and it signifies a commitment to learning. What is interesting is how a symbol of classical antiquity, passed through the Renaissance, is adapted to the Reformation. Calvin, in his pursuit of religious reform, donned a cap similar to those worn by humanist scholars, indicating a connection between classical learning and religious renewal. Consider how visual symbols persist, evolve, and gain new significance across history, subtly influencing our perceptions.