Portret van Johanna Koerten 1708 - 1780

This drawing of Johanna Koerten was created by Jacob Houbraken, sometime between the late 17th and early 18th century. Note the laurel wreath encircling the portrait, a classical symbol of triumph and immortality, echoing through time from ancient Greece, where victors were crowned, to its adoption in Roman imperial portraiture. Here, it sanctifies Koerten, immortalizing her likeness. And observe the putto, the cherubic figure reminiscent of those found in Renaissance art, blowing a trumpet. He is an allegorical figure proclaiming Koerten's virtues and legacy. But what is most fascinating is how these motifs, once reserved for emperors and gods, are now bestowed upon an individual. In many ways, this speaks to the shifting cultural values and the emerging importance of the individual in the modern era. The image suggests a deep, subconscious desire to elevate the individual, blurring the lines between the mortal and the divine. This drawing serves as a testament to the enduring power of symbols to capture and convey profound emotional truths. It shows their cyclical journey through art history, constantly resurfacing and evolving in meaning.