Portret van Georg Witzel 1597 - 1599

Robert Boissard made this engraving, portraying Georg Witzel, sometime in the 17th century. The image commemorates Witzel as a theologian and pontificus, a builder of bridges. But what kind of bridges? Consider the context: this is Europe after the Reformation, deeply divided along sectarian lines. Witzel himself was a complex figure. He began as a Lutheran reformer, but later converted to Catholicism. He dedicated himself to reconciling the two sides and became a lightning rod in the process, criticized by both Protestants and Catholics. Boissard’s engraving presents Witzel as a scholar, a humanist, and a figure of dignity. The columns, squirrels, and Latin inscription, celebrate Witzel's intellect and dedication to learning. The inscription translates: “You, Witzel, cultivated the muses in an outstanding way... with talent for games and your art.” To understand this image fully, we can consult historical sources, religious texts, and biographical accounts of Witzel's life and work. This reveals a complex and fascinating picture of a man dedicated to bridging divides in a fractured world.