Portret van de graveur Raphaël Sadeler 1649

Coenraet Waumans created this engraving of Raphaël Sadeler, a fellow engraver, in the 17th century. The portrait captures Sadeler holding a print, a symbol of his craft, set against a meticulously detailed background. Engraving was not merely a profession; it was deeply embedded in the social and political fabrics of the time. Sadeler was part of a family dynasty of engravers whose work often served the needs of the elite and the church. In this portrait Waumans captures more than just a likeness; he conveys Sadeler’s status and intellect through the details of his clothing and posture. The ruff and fur-lined coat speak of prosperity, while the gaze suggests a thoughtful, creative mind. Consider how the very act of creating and circulating prints played a role in shaping cultural and religious identities during a period marked by the Reformation and Counter-Reformation. Here we see the intersection of art, commerce, and religious identity.