Portret van Georg May 1666

Matthias van Sommer created this engraving, "Portret van Georg May," capturing the likeness of a prominent figure. Engravings like this one were often commissioned by or for the sitter, who was often a person of importance in their community. Georg May's identity as a doctor and reverend, as well as his association with noble families and the Teutonic Order, situate him within the complex social hierarchies of the time. The portrait immortalizes May, solidifying his status and legacy within a specific cultural and political context. Note how van Sommer's engraving technique captures the dignity of the sitter, but also his age and the weight of his responsibilities. What do you think May’s portrait says about the intersection of religious authority, aristocratic power, and individual identity in this era?