Portret van Andre du Laurens 1628 - 1645

This engraving of Andre du Laurens was created by Paul de Zetter in 1618. It encapsulates the rise of the professional classes in Europe and the ways in which the institutions of the court served as an avenue for upward mobility. The image creates meaning through several visual codes. Surrounding the portrait we see Latin text referring to Laurens as the 'King's Counselor and Primary Doctor'. This was a period in which medicine was becoming increasingly professionalized, and physicians like Laurens attained high social status through serving the court. The engraving itself, as a reproducible medium, helped to disseminate Laurens' image and promote his authority. Understanding this artwork requires delving into the social history of medicine, court culture, and the rise of print media in early modern Europe. By exploring these contexts, we can better appreciate how the engraving reflects and reinforces the social hierarchies of its time.