Portret van George Goethals 1667

This portrait of George Goethals was engraved by Reinier van Persijn in the 17th century. We see Goethals in studious repose, surrounded by the accoutrements of learning and faith. Note the open book, a symbol deeply intertwined with knowledge. This motif, though, extends far beyond simple learning. Consider the opened scrolls in ancient Roman portraiture or even earlier, the unrolled papyrus in Egyptian depictions of scribes. It's a recurring gesture signaling erudition and wisdom, echoing through time. Interestingly, this symbol has shape-shifted over millennia. While once exclusive to religious or elite contexts, the book has evolved into a more accessible emblem of self-improvement, mirroring humanity's evolving relationship with knowledge. The enduring power of this image lies in its invocation of knowledge, an eternal human pursuit. It’s a silent yet potent force that transcends time, engaging our subconscious desire for understanding.