Portret van Rhijnvis Feith 1809 - 1836

Willem Bartel van der Kooi rendered this portrait of Rhijnvis Feith with pen in gray ink. The prominent medal hanging on Feith's chest evokes ancient Roman symbols of honor and status, a visual language revived during the Enlightenment to convey civic virtue and nobility. Consider how this symbol echoes the laurel wreaths of antiquity, awarded to victorious generals and emperors. Here, the medal, while different in form, serves a similar purpose: to publicly declare Feith's esteemed position and contributions. Yet, the Enlightenment's fascination with classical symbols was more than mere imitation. It represented a deep, psychological longing for order and reason, a desire to connect with a perceived golden age of human achievement. This collective memory, imprinted on the European psyche, resurfaces in various forms throughout history, each time adapted to new cultural contexts. The emotional power of such symbols lies in their ability to tap into these deep-seated cultural memories, engaging us on a subconscious level. It is a cyclical progression, ever evolving and ever present.