Portret van Samuel de L'Echerpière 1661

Cornelis de Man created this portrait of Samuel de L'Echerpière, using engraving techniques, likely around 1661. It captures a moment in the life of a French pastor during a period of significant religious and political change in Europe. De Man, working in the Dutch Golden Age, portrays L'Echerpière, a figure whose identity is deeply intertwined with the religious tensions of the time. As a pastor, L'Echerpière navigated the complexities of faith and power, his story reflecting the broader struggles for religious freedom and self-determination. The text inscribed on the piece tells of Echerpière ministering in the church in Rivier. Engravings like these served not only as portraits but also as assertions of identity and status within a community undergoing reformation. Consider the emotional weight carried by such images, representing not just individuals but also the values and beliefs they upheld in a changing world. It provides a glimpse into the intersection of personal faith, public identity, and the socio-political landscape of 17th-century Europe.