Portret van Stephan Hane 1662 - 1698

This print of Stephan Hane was made by Hans Martin Winterstein in the late 17th century. It presents the man within an oval frame, surrounded by angels and other allegorical figures. The context here is the visual culture of the Holy Roman Empire. The codes of portraiture are mingled with the language of religious symbolism. Hane’s stern gaze suggests the importance of his civic role, perhaps as a cleric. Meanwhile, the angels and biblical inscriptions point to his piety and virtue. The inscription below the portrait may give a clue. It suggests that the print was made by a colleague of Hane’s who admired his piety, patience, and candor. These details and the institutional role of Hane’s colleague could be researched through archival documents. The image thus opens a window onto the social and religious world of its time, and the place of art within it.