Portret van Simon Schijnvoet 1670 - 1713

This is Pieter Schenk’s portrait of Simon Schijnvoet, made using etching and engraving. Schenk, born in Germany, moved to Amsterdam at a time when the city was a center for trade and culture, attracting artists and intellectuals from across Europe. The elaborate presentation of Schijnvoet, with his opulent robe, lace cuffs, and meticulously curled wig, speaks to the values of status and refinement in Amsterdam's elite circles. The portrait reflects a society structured by class, where appearance and presentation were crucial markers of identity and belonging. Schijnvoet’s identity as an art collector is highlighted, reflecting how wealth and knowledge were intertwined in the construction of social standing. Portraits like these served to reinforce social hierarchies and express personal aspirations. What does it mean to present oneself in a certain way? The work invites us to reflect on how identity is carefully constructed, and how it intersects with the historical and social contexts we inhabit.