Portret van Theodore van Tulden Possibly 1630 - 1646

Pieter de Jode II made this engraving, "Portret van Theodore van Tulden" without a specified date, printed on paper. This portrait captures Theodore van Tulden, not just as an individual, but as a figure deeply embedded in the intellectual and cultural landscape of his time. Van Tulden was a painter, draughtsman and printmaker, who worked in the Baroque style. The gaze is direct, inviting us into his world. Notice his hand resting on the book, a symbol of knowledge and learning, reflective of a society that valued education and intellectual pursuits. How does the choice of attire – the ruff collar and formal robes – speak to the subject's status and role within the societal hierarchy? It's a powerful statement about identity, shaped by profession, class, and the era's emphasis on scholarly achievement.