Portret van Reinier Vinkeles 1788 - 1816

This portrait of Reinier Vinkeles was created by Charles Howard Hodges using mezzotint technique. Vinkeles is depicted holding a stylus, an ancient symbol of artistry and intellect, reminiscent of the tools held by classical muses and philosophers. The stylus, here, links Vinkeles to a lineage stretching back to antiquity. We might recall the Roman stylus, used for writing on wax tablets, a symbol of knowledge and the written word, or even Thoth, the ancient Egyptian deity of writing and wisdom, often depicted holding writing instruments. Note the sitter's gaze, imbued with a sense of thoughtful introspection. This reflects a deeper psychological connection, tapping into the human quest for understanding and expression. The act of holding the stylus, therefore, is not merely a depiction of a tool but an invocation of centuries of artistic and intellectual heritage. The symbol of the stylus transforms, yet it endures. It speaks to our collective memory, a reminder of the power of creation and the continuous thread of human ingenuity across time.