Portret van Paul Laurentius 1614 - 1630

Conrad Grale created this print, "Portrait of Paul Laurentius," using engraving. The severe ruff collar and the book held in Laurentius's hand are rich with symbolic meaning, reflecting the sitter’s scholarly and religious standing in the 17th century. These visual markers are not isolated to this time; the ruff, for example, evolved from earlier, more modest neck coverings, growing into an ostentatious symbol of status seen across Europe. Similarly, the book, an ancient symbol of knowledge, reappears through centuries—from sacred texts in medieval icons to the secular volumes held by Enlightenment thinkers. Such recurring motifs tap into a form of cultural memory, stirring emotions and associations linked to learning, authority, and spiritual insight. Over time, the meaning shifts, but the underlying psychological impact persists, engaging viewers on a subconscious level as symbols evolve and are passed down, demonstrating how images transcend time, connecting past and present.