Doctor Petri 1572

Abraham de Bruyn created this engraving titled, "Doctor Petri," in the Netherlands, sometime before his death in 1587. The image, rendered with close attention to the textures and patterns of clothing, depicts a man holding a staff, and a flag showing a swan. The "Doctor" of the title might refer to a figure of learning and status, but the rest of the imagery suggests this might be a satirical image. In the sixteenth century, the Netherlands was experiencing rapid social change, particularly with the rise of a new merchant class. It was also a period of religious conflict. The opulence of dress and heraldic display might be commenting on the anxieties around class and status in this period. Understanding such images requires that we research details of daily life as well as symbolic codes. We need to be attentive to the social function of art, and how it comments on the society of its time.