Portret van Cornelis Houthoff 1744 - 1750

Editor: Here we have Jacob Houbraken's "Portrait of Cornelis Houthoff," made sometime between 1744 and 1750. It's an engraving, currently residing in the Rijksmuseum. There’s something quite formal and austere about it. Tell me, what captures your imagination when you look at this piece? Curator: It's interesting, isn’t it? More than imagination, this evokes a kind of... quiet understanding. It reminds me of dusty books and hushed libraries. Cornelis, with his wig and somewhat severe gaze, looks like he's seen a thing or two. This piece seems like more than just a portrait. Look at his hand resting on the book, the other poised mid-gesture. How does that strike you? Is he sharing a learned insight, perhaps? Or is it just the engraver adding a bit of visual flair? Editor: That’s interesting; he definitely looks learned. The way he’s positioned in what seems to be a window, or an opening… there’s almost a theatrical element to it, like he’s performing the role of “scholar.” I suppose that’s what a lot of formal portraiture boils down to, actually! Curator: Precisely! Perhaps what we're responding to is this interesting dance between genuine portrayal and performed identity that portraits from this era capture. The setting, the books, even his hand... they all contribute to a constructed image. And the Baroque influence... It lends that flair and drama. What a curious little world contained in an engraving! Editor: Absolutely! I initially saw only formality, but now I see a constructed persona and even a touch of theater in how he is staged! It brings a whole new perspective to the piece.