Portret van Conradus Viëtor 1657 - 1686

Jonas Suyderhoef created this portrait of Conradus Viëtor as an engraving. Viëtor, born in 1588, was a preacher and theologian during a time of great religious and political tension in the Netherlands. Viëtor’s stern gaze and formal attire speak to the rigid social expectations of the time. As a man of the church, he held a position of power, yet his identity was also rooted in a deep sense of duty and piety. The book he holds, likely a religious text, symbolizes his commitment to his faith and the dissemination of religious knowledge. The inscription beneath the portrait offers a glimpse into Viëtor's beliefs, emphasizing the importance of faith in God. "His soul shall always burn," it says. This image is a window into the complexities of identity in the 17th century, and the emotional and spiritual dimensions of a life dedicated to faith during times of upheaval.