Portret van predikant Jacobus Elisa Johannes Capitein 1681 - 1746

François van Bleyswijck created this print of Jacobus Elisa Johannes Capitein. The book Capitein holds is more than an object; it's a symbol of enlightenment and faith, deeply intertwined with the historical context of his life as one of the first African theologians in the Dutch Reformed Church. The act of holding a book, presenting knowledge, is an iconographic gesture echoing across time. We see it in depictions of saints holding scriptures, philosophers with tomes, each representing a conduit of wisdom. Yet, here, the book carries a poignant duality. In a society marked by colonial narratives, Capitein’s embrace of Christian text is a complex symbol of both assimilation and empowerment. Consider how the motif of the 'converted scholar' appears throughout history, from early Christian art to Renaissance depictions of reformed pagans. This image captures a moment of transformation, yet also echoes the tensions inherent in cultural exchange and the imposition of foreign ideals. Such gestures engage viewers on a subconscious level, stirring emotions tied to the collective memory of cultural identity, dominance, and the quest for spiritual understanding. This emblem continues its cyclical progression, prompting discourse on identity, faith, and the enduring power of symbols.