Portret van Lieuwe van Aitzema 1660 - 1721

This is John Faber’s portrait of Lieuwe van Aitzema, created sometime between 1660 and 1721. It offers a glimpse into the world of 17th-century Dutch society. Aitzema, a historian and diplomat, lived during a time of great political and social change. The Dutch Republic was a major power, but it was also a society deeply divided by class, religion, and politics. As we consider this image, think about how gender and class intersect. Aitzema’s identity as a man of letters and affairs would have afforded him certain privileges, yet his portrait also invites us to consider the complexities of representation and the male gaze during this period. The way he is presented in the image, framed by his name, speaks to the values of that time. Consider the emotional dimensions of this portrait. What does it mean to be remembered in this way? This image remains a poignant reflection on the individual within the currents of history.