Portret van Bernhard Schmid 1549 - 1571

This engraving portrays Bernhard Schmid, framed by a wreath interwoven with allegorical figures. The laurel wreath, a classical symbol of triumph and immortality, entwines around the portrait, suggesting Schmid's esteemed status. The presence of putti, mythical figures, and armorial shields echoes the visual language of Renaissance emblems, recalling ancient virtues and philosophical ideas. The act of portraiture itself, evolving from Roman funerary masks to Renaissance depictions, aims to preserve an individual's memory beyond their mortal existence. The figure with the globe reminds us of the enduring image of Atlas, who carries the weight of the world. This motif, seen from Hellenistic sculptures to Renaissance depictions, speaks to the burden of knowledge and the human quest for understanding. It's a cyclical progression, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in each context.