Portret van Jan Pietersz. Zomer 1717

Arnoud van Halen created this portrait of Jan Pietersz. Zomer using etching and engraving techniques during the late 17th or early 18th century, a period marked by significant social stratification. The portrait offers a glimpse into the identity and status of its subject. Zomer is depicted with symbols of affluence and intellect: his clothing, the architectural backdrop, and the books displayed on the table. As we consider the European context of the Enlightenment, this portrait embodies the era's emphasis on reason, knowledge, and individuality. Van Halen's artistic choices reflect not only Zomer's personal identity but also the cultural values of the time, in which social standing was intricately linked to displays of wealth, education, and refined taste. The portrait freezes a moment in time, inviting us to consider how identities were constructed and performed within a society defined by rigid hierarchies.