Portret van Wolfgang Heider 1628

This engraving by Matthäus Merian, now in the Rijksmuseum, depicts Wolfgang Heider, a professor of philosophy. Framed within an oval cartouche, Heider is portrayed holding a book, a symbol of knowledge and wisdom, deeply rooted in classical antiquity. The book, here, isn't merely an object; it's a 'pathos formula.' Think of the ancient philosophers, like Plato or Aristotle, often depicted with scrolls, embodying intellectual authority. This motif resurfaces throughout the medieval period and Renaissance, each time adapted but still resonant with its original meaning. The act of holding the book becomes a conscious gesture, a way to engage with the viewer on a deeper psychological level, subtly conveying a sense of scholarly depth and wisdom. We see this non-linear progression of symbols over time. The image of a wise man holding a book has been transmitted across time and continues to evolve, changing in overt appearance but retaining the core association with erudition.