Portret van Petrus Hermannus Hugenholtz 1794

This is a print of Petrus Hermannus Hugenholtz, a preacher from Delft, made in 1794 by Jeremias Snoek. It's fascinating how much a simple portrait like this can tell us about the social and cultural values of the time. The oval frame and formal pose were standard for portraits of prominent figures. Hugenholtz’s attire speaks volumes. The black coat and white clerical collar were visual markers of his religious authority, his wig a sign of professional status. The print was produced in Delft, a city with a rich history of religious and intellectual life. We know from the inscription that Hugenholtz was 65 years old at the time. Further research into church records, local histories, and genealogical databases could reveal much more about his life, his social network, and the influence he wielded within his community. Prints like this one served to disseminate images of important figures, reinforcing their status and projecting a particular image of authority. Understanding the social conditions that shaped its production and reception allows us to interpret the print as more than just a portrait.