Portret van Aegidius Hunnius 1682 - 1709

This is a portrait of Aegidius Hunnius, made using engraving by Johann Christoph Boecklin. The print gives us insight into the world of 17th century European intellectual and religious life. Hunnius was a prominent Lutheran theologian, and this portrait, likely commissioned by his followers or family, was designed to cement his legacy. The visual codes are carefully chosen, from the book he holds, a symbol of his learning, to the Latin inscriptions praising his wisdom and piety. Note how the text frames the image, emphasizing his academic and religious credentials. This work reflects the social importance of religious figures and the power of the printing press to disseminate their images and ideas. To understand this image more fully, one could delve into the history of Lutheranism, the role of universities in the 17th century, and the development of portraiture as a tool for shaping public perception.