Portret van Gregor Horst 1645 - 1665

Johann Friedrich Fleischberger created this print of Gregor Horst in the 17th century. It offers us a glimpse into the world of science and social status of the time. The image is rich with symbolism. Horst is surrounded by objects representing his profession and intellectual interests: a skull, a globe, and books. These items tell us about the sitter's engagement with the pursuit of knowledge and his place in society. Made in Germany, this portrait reflects the values of the educated elite during the late Renaissance. The presence of the coat-of-arms suggests that Horst and his family held a place in local society. The imagery is, in many ways, self-consciously conservative, aiming to associate the sitter with tradition and authority. To fully understand the print, one would need to delve into the social history of medicine and education in 17th century Germany. Research into archival records, biographies, and institutional histories would all shed further light on its meaning. This artwork reminds us that meaning is contingent on its social and institutional context.