Portret van Johann Philip van der Kellen c. 1850 - 1907

This portrait of Johann Philip van der Kellen was etched by Johannes Arnoldus Boland. Look at how the sitter is presented in profile, a motif with deep historical roots. This view, reminiscent of ancient coins and Renaissance medals, elevates the sitter. The profile, for centuries, has symbolized authority, nobility, and intellectual prowess, as seen in classical busts of Roman emperors, their profiles immortalized to project power and timelessness. Consider the psychological implications of choosing this view. Does it suggest a desire for the sitter to be perceived as detached, contemplative, perhaps even a little aloof? This enduring symbol transcends its immediate context, resurfacing in various forms throughout history, each time carrying echoes of its past incarnations. It’s an endless dance of cultural memory and reinvention.