Portret van Heinrich Bullinger 1549 - 1584

This engraving portrays Heinrich Bullinger and was created by an anonymous artist. The image likely originated in 16th-century Switzerland, a time of immense religious and social upheaval due to the Reformation. Bullinger succeeded Zwingli as the leader of the Zurich church, a pivotal role in shaping Swiss Protestantism. He was also responsible for the "Helvetic Confessions," foundational documents solidifying Reformed theology. The book in Bullinger's hands is a telling symbol. It reflects the Protestant emphasis on scripture and individual interpretation, a direct challenge to the Catholic Church's authority. The fur-lined coat suggests Bullinger’s status and the relative comfort he enjoyed. The engraving itself, with its precise lines, indicates the rise of print culture, a powerful tool in disseminating new ideas. By studying such images, we gain insight into the social conditions, religious debates, and the new institutions that defined an era. Accessing the prints and archives of the period further illuminates how art served as a potent force within these transformative times.