Portret van Metrophanes Critopoulos op 38-jarige leeftijd 1627

This engraving, made by Jacob van der Heyden, depicts Metrophanes Critopoulos at the age of 38. The portrait commemorates a figure who navigated complex cultural and religious landscapes of the 17th century. Critopoulos, a Greek Orthodox theologian, embodies the intellectual exchange between East and West. Educated in Europe, he sought to bridge the gap between Orthodox and Protestant thought. His travels through Germany and England reflect a life dedicated to ecumenism during the Reformation, a period marked by religious conflict and the forging of new identities. Consider the emotional weight of Critopoulos's quest for understanding across cultural divides. He aimed to reconcile diverging traditions in a world increasingly defined by division. This engraving immortalizes his commitment to cross-cultural dialogue, inviting us to reflect on the challenges and possibilities of understanding across differences. The portrait serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy and intellectual curiosity in an ever-changing world.