Portret van Andreas Wilhelm Zeillner 1649

This engraving portrays Andreas Wilhelm Zeillner and was crafted in 1649 by Elias Widemann. Encircling Zeillner is an inscription, a practice dating back to ancient Roman portraiture, intended to immortalize the sitter and their achievements. Note the phrase "Bien Sans Peine," meaning "Well Without Pain." This motto, often associated with aristocratic families, suggests an effortless virtue or success, a concept echoed in other noble portraits throughout history. It is reminiscent of the "sprezzatura" idealized during the Italian Renaissance—the art of making difficult feats appear easy. Consider how this seemingly simple phrase acts as a powerful emblem of status. Through this engraving, we are invited to contemplate the evolving language of symbols and their ability to convey complex social and psychological messages across time.