Portret van René Descartes 1644 - 1692

Franciscus van Schooten created this portrait of René Descartes, likely as an engraving, around 1649. Descartes was a towering figure of the 17th century, a philosopher and mathematician whose ideas shaped modern thought, particularly in the areas of epistemology and metaphysics. In the portrait, Descartes is presented with a certain formality, reflective of his status, but there is also a sense of the individual. His gaze seems to hold both intellectual intensity and a degree of introspection. Consider how the artistic choices – the use of line and form – work to convey the essence and identity of this influential thinker. As cultural theorist Stuart Hall reminds us, identity is not just about who we are, but also about who we become. This portrait captures a moment in the ongoing construction of Descartes' identity. It invites us to reflect on how historical figures are remembered, and how their legacies continue to shape our understanding of the world.