Pastor Johannes Lassenius 1680s

Editor: Here we have a print from the 1680s titled *Pastor Johannes Lassenius*, attributed to Hubert Schaten. It's an engraving, giving it a stark, almost austere feel. I am intrigued by the ornate frame surrounding the central portrait. What's your read on this, particularly in terms of its symbolism? Curator: Ah, yes! Hubert Schaten gives us a compelling glimpse into the soul of Johannes Lassenius. It’s more than just a face; it’s a theater of ideas, wouldn’t you agree? The angels, the lion, the bull... they aren’t mere decoration. They whisper to us about Lassenius’s character. The stern expression might speak to the turbulent times. See the rather severe frame? It holds him, contains him, even as the mind and spirit roam free. What do you make of that tension? Editor: It does feel like there's a deliberate contrast between confinement and expression. The animals included with the frame—were they common motifs? Curator: Very good question! The Lion symbolises strength and courage, reflecting the subject’s resolve during potentially uncertain times. The bull stands for steadfastness and perhaps diligence, values integral to Lassenius's work as pastor. Note that the inclusion of academic Latin indicates an intended educated audience that recognizes classical virtue! Don’t you find the use of printed image to promote status here endlessly fascinating? Editor: Absolutely. I hadn’t thought about the Latin inscription in that way. This feels very much like controlled propaganda to maintain influence. Thank you—that really illuminated a new angle for me! Curator: My pleasure. Sometimes, the stories behind the strokes are more thrilling than the picture itself, wouldn't you say? Keep questioning, and the art will always reveal something new!