Portret van David Beckeler 1627

This print of David Beckeler was made in Augsburg by Lucas Kilian in 1627. Beckeler was a churchman in Ulm, and this portrait commemorates his 37th year as a preacher. This portrait exemplifies the public role of images in the 17th century. The elaborate border and descriptive text around the image itself emphasize the importance of Beckeler's position within his community. Kilian makes use of visual codes and cultural references to communicate the sitter's status, such as his clerical robes. The text provides additional context, emphasizing the length of Beckeler's service and religious devotion. Augsburg, where this print was made, was a center of artistic production and religious publishing at this time; these institutions played an important role in shaping the image of religious figures like Beckeler. To understand this image better, one might consult local church records to learn more about Beckeler's career and influence within his community. By combining formal analysis with attention to the socio-political context, we can better understand the social conditions that shaped this image.