Portret van Johannes Polyander van Kerkhoven op 77-jarige leeftijd 1645

This is Cornelis van Dalen's print of Johannes Polyander van Kerckhoven, made in 1645. The print offers us a glimpse into the visual culture of the Dutch Golden Age and the role of the church within it. Polyander, a prominent theologian and professor at Leiden University, is framed within an oval, surrounded by inscriptions in both French and Latin, celebrating his wisdom and piety. The detailed rendering of his face, beard, and clothing emphasizes his status and intellect. Van Dalen’s work reflects the cultural values of the Dutch Republic, where religious and intellectual figures were highly esteemed and these ideals were often promoted by institutions such as the church and university. To understand this image, we need to consider the complex social and religious context of the 17th-century Netherlands. Art historians might explore archives to understand the social networks within which the image circulated. Through that, we can better understand the public role of art.