c. 1588 - 1622
Portret van Orazio Augenio
Jacques Granthomme
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RijksmuseumListen to curator's interpretation
Curatorial notes
This engraving of Orazio Augenio was made by Jacques Granthomme in the 17th century. It reflects the cultural and intellectual values of the time. Augenio, a theologian, philosopher, and physician, is depicted within an elaborate frame, surrounded by Latin inscriptions that emphasize his wisdom and scholarly achievements. His aging face is rendered with great attention to detail, framed by a neatly trimmed beard and a high collared robe. The inscription mentions that his soul has returned to its maker, suggesting that the artwork was created posthumously. As with much portraiture of this period, this piece reflects the subject’s identity as an educated man of status. Though it memorializes a specific individual, it also speaks to the broader culture of humanism and the value placed on intellectual pursuits in the 17th century. This image serves not only as a representation of a man but also as a symbol of a time captivated by knowledge and discovery.