Portret van Berchtold Lele 1597

Hans Wechter created this portrait of Berchtold Lele, likely around the late 16th century, using engraving techniques. Lele was a "Rechenmayster" or reckoning master, and Wechter’s image gives us a fascinating glimpse into the social status of this profession at that time. The symbols Wechter includes are telling. Lele is shown with a skull and drawing with a compass on a book. The skull, of course, is a traditional memento mori, a reminder of mortality. Meanwhile, the compass signifies precision, rationality, and the application of mathematical principles to the world. The book represents the intellectual foundations of his work. Together, these elements emphasize not just Lele’s skill, but also the gravitas and philosophical depth associated with his profession. To fully grasp the image, one might delve into the history of Frankfurt’s merchant class, examining the role of mathematics in their commercial activities. In looking into the history of accounting institutions and guilds, this image offers a compelling window into the intellectual life of the period.