Portrait of Jacobus Rolandus (1562-1632) after 1632

Cornelis van der Voort painted this portrait of Jacobus Rolandus sometime in the early 17th century. Painted in the Netherlands, this image captures the stern visage of a Dutch minister during a period of immense social and religious change. Jacobus Rolandus was a prominent figure in the Dutch Reformed Church. The church was becoming increasingly powerful in the wake of the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule, representing a distinctly Dutch identity. The portrait itself reflects the sober values of the emerging Protestant elite. Rolandus's dark clothing, the simple black cap, and the severe expression speak to a rejection of excess and a focus on piety. But the elaborate ruff around his neck also hints at the sitter's status, as does the commission of the painting itself. Understanding the context in which this portrait was created – the rise of the Dutch Republic, the influence of Calvinism, and the emergence of a new merchant class – allows us to appreciate its significance as a cultural and historical document.