Portret van Josephus Scaliger op 66-jarige leeftijd after 1607

Bartholomeus Willemsz. Dolendo created this engraving, "Portret van Josephus Scaliger op 66-jarige leeftijd," depicting the scholar in rich detail. Made during the early 17th century, this portrait provides insight into the world of European intellectual life during a period of significant social and religious upheaval. Note the trappings of wealth and status in Scaliger's fur-lined robes, juxtaposed with the serious, almost weary expression on his face. He was a scholar of great renown but also lived through the tumultuous years of the Reformation and its aftermath. Consider how the artist positions Scaliger within a classical frame, referencing his intellectual lineage and the weight of history. Dolendo is not just capturing a likeness; he's portraying a man of significant cultural standing, grappling with the shifting sands of his time. This image captures the tension between personal identity and historical context.