Portret van Henricus Cuypers after 1826

This is a portrait of Henricus Cuypers by Guillaume Philidor Van den Burggraaff, made with etching. Cuypers, the man portrayed, is swaddled in a thick fur pelt, a symbol of status and warmth, but also of protection. Consider the archetype of the 'fur-clad figure' that appears in ancient mythologies, signifying power and virility. We can see the resonance of this motif in other depictions of influential figures throughout history. Think of the heroes and gods draped in animal skins, a symbol of strength and dominance, in ancient Roman sculptures. Over time, as society evolved, the wearing of fur shifted to denote wealth and nobility, visible in Renaissance portraits. This symbol has traversed epochs, adapting to the sensibilities of each era, whilst retaining a primal connection to power and protection. The presence of this potent image evokes subconscious feelings of admiration and respect. It reflects how symbols are cyclical and how they resurface, evolve, and acquire new meanings across diverse historical contexts.