Portret van Riek Uijtenhaak 1880 - 1920

This monochromatic portrait by Chits & Fils captures Riek Uijtenhaak with a direct, unflinching gaze, framed by delicate spectacles, that give her a sense of intellect. Consider the glasses: they are more than a tool for sight. Since their invention, eyeglasses have been depicted throughout art history. We can recall depictions of Saint Jerome, the translator of the Vulgate, as he sits at his desk, spectacles perched upon his nose. There, they signified not just erudition but divine wisdom made accessible through scholarly pursuit. Yet, eyeglasses can also convey vulnerability, revealing a dependence on artificial aid and an awareness of one's own limitations. The spectacles become a symbol of introspection. The gaze, mediated by the glasses, invites us into Riek's inner world, but also holds us at a measured distance. Thus, these humble lenses present a powerful symbol, resonating through time and revealing the ever-changing interplay of intellect and human vulnerability.