Portret van Michael Walther after 1640

This is Peter Troschel's portrait of Michael Walther, made around 1635 in what is now Germany using engraving. It gives us a fascinating insight into the visual culture surrounding religious figures in the 17th century. The portrait presents Walther, a Lutheran theologian, framed by ornate Latin inscriptions and allegorical figures. These weren't just decorative; they were visual cues designed to communicate Walther's status and virtues to a learned audience. Consider the choice of Latin, the language of scholarship and the Church, which underscores Walther's intellectual authority. The surrounding text and figures act as a kind of visual sermon, reinforcing the values of piety and learning that were central to the Lutheran faith. Understanding this image means delving into the religious and intellectual history of the period. We might turn to printed sermons, theological treatises, and even the records of the Lutheran Church itself to better understand its meaning. By doing so, we can begin to understand the role of art in shaping religious and social identities.