Portrait of Barend Goudriaan Ariesz. 1776

Cornelis van Cuylenburgh the second painted this portrait of Barend Goudriaan Ariesz, using oil on canvas, during the late 18th or early 19th century. During this period, The Netherlands witnessed the rise of a powerful merchant class, keen to display their success and status. Portraits became a symbol of identity, not just representing likeness but also communicating one's social standing and professional achievements. Here, Ariesz is depicted with the tools of his trade, highlighting his skills and education. Consider this through the lens of labor and class. Ariesz’s intellectual work is celebrated, contrasting sharply with the often invisible labor of the working class whose efforts facilitated this era of economic growth. This painting reflects the values of its time, but it also invites us to reflect on the complex relationships between individuals, their identities, and the broader societal structures that shape them.