Portret van Julien Offray de la Mettrie 1739 - 1791

This engraving of Julien Offray de la Mettrie was created by Johanna Dorothea Sysang. The figure's smile, framed by the soft, rounded hat, evokes a sense of playful intelligence. Consider the smile itself. Throughout history, the smile has been a motif pregnant with ambiguity. From the archaic smile of ancient Greek statues, suggesting an almost divine detachment, to the enigmatic smile of Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, it has held layers of meaning. Here, the smile seems to carry a hint of irony, perhaps reflecting La Mettrie's own provocative philosophical views. It's a knowing smile, one that suggests a deeper understanding of human nature, hinting at his materialistic and sensual approach to life. This gesture is powerful, engaging the viewer on a subconscious level, inviting contemplation. The symbolism is never linear. It resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.