Portret van Pieter Barbiers Bzn. c. 1800 - 1831

Wybrand Hendriks captured Pieter Barbiers Bzn. in this delicate drawing. The artist masterfully employs the cultural lexicon of his time, notably in Barbiers’ attire. The powdered wig, partially visible, and the ruffled shirt are more than mere fashion. They speak of status, intellect, and adherence to social norms. Yet, these symbols are not static. One can trace the ruffled collar back through time, to the opulent courts of the Renaissance. There, it denoted wealth and power. Here, it suggests a softer, bourgeois gentility. The evolution of the ruffle reminds us that symbols transform over time, adapting to changing social and psychological landscapes. Hendriks uses the formal conventions of portraiture to convey the sitter's psychological depth. These artistic choices invite the viewer into a non-linear journey through time, to uncover the layers of meaning embedded within a single image.