Portret van Johannes Buggaeus 1636 - 1676

This engraving portrays Johannes Buggaeus, made by Theodor Matham. Observe the somber crucifix to the left, a stark symbol of Christian devotion. The book that Buggaeus holds, a visual anchor, connects directly to ancient traditions of knowledge and scholarly pursuit. We see the book re-emerging in diverse contexts—from the illuminated manuscripts of the medieval period to the Renaissance portraits, each time mirroring the values of its age. The book, initially a sacred object preserving religious texts, evolves into a symbol of secular wisdom. Here, Matham subtly engages our subconscious, using Buggaeus's introspective gaze. This gaze reminds us that images are never truly still, but continue moving through time, altering their garments with each passing era.