Portret van Joannes Meyssens 1662

Cornelis Meyssens created this portrait of Joannes Meyssens, using etching, sometime in the 17th century. It’s a powerful representation of a man who was both an artist and a merchant in a society undergoing significant economic and cultural shifts. Joannes Meyssens was not only a painter but also a print seller. His dual role speaks to the evolving status of the artist in society, as someone who had to balance creative pursuits with economic realities. The portrait captures a man of his time, navigating the intersection of artistic expression and commercial enterprise. Consider how Meyssens presents himself; his clothing, his gaze, all carefully constructed to convey a certain status and intellect. It reflects the complex interplay between identity, profession, and societal expectations during the period. This image captures a pivotal moment in the history of art, where artists began to assert their identities in a rapidly changing world.