Portret van Jacobus Latomus 1597 - 1599

This is Robert Boissard’s portrait of Jacobus Latomus, rendered in printmaking. Latomus is presented as a theologian, his image framed by symbols laden with historical weight. Consider the open book at the base of the portrait. Books have long represented knowledge, wisdom, and divine inspiration across cultures, dating back to ancient Egypt. Their presence in religious imagery speaks to their lasting power as a symbol of learning and enlightenment. We see similar depictions of open books accompanying figures across medieval illuminated manuscripts, Renaissance paintings, and even modern-day academic logos. Note also the architectural frame surrounding Latomus; columns and arches harken back to classical antiquity, evoking ideas of reason, order, and enduring legacy. These elements create a stage, setting Latomus within a tradition that stretches back to the foundations of Western thought, imbuing his image with a sense of authority and timelessness. This act is not merely decorative but a potent means of engaging viewers on a subconscious level. Such engagement shapes their perceptions of Latomus, and it ultimately connects him to a broader historical narrative.