Portret van Martinus van Velden 1639 - 1676

Theodor Matham made this print of Martinus van Velden in 1639 using engraving. Prints like this one offer a fascinating glimpse into the social and religious landscape of the Dutch Golden Age. In this period, the Dutch Republic was experiencing a surge in economic prosperity and cultural flourishing. Portraiture became increasingly popular among the rising merchant class and religious figures, reflecting a desire for self-representation and commemoration. Van Velden was a pastor, and Matham captured a sense of the sitter's piety and authority. The Latin inscription suggests van Velden’s virtue and glorifies the year of his death. The institutional history of the church in the Netherlands is also relevant here. Following the Reformation, the Dutch Reformed Church became a dominant force in society, and ministers held significant influence. By researching the print's commissioner and analyzing the symbolic language employed, we gain invaluable insights into the cultural values and social dynamics of the time.