Reproductie van een schilderij van een portret van Abraham Grapheus door Cornelis de Vos before 1877

This is Joseph Maes' reproduction of a portrait of Abraham Grapheus by Cornelis de Vos. Maes, born in 1838, created this piece, capturing the likeness of a man who lived centuries before. Grapheus was not an aristocrat or a king, but a "factor" of the Guild of Saint Luke in Antwerp, a city then flourishing as a center of art and commerce. His identity was deeply intertwined with his role in the guild. The medals that adorn his chest aren't symbols of nobility, but of his service and dedication to his profession. Consider how Grapheus’s image was carefully constructed to convey the values of his community. He stands as a symbol of the burgeoning merchant class and its cultural aspirations. This reproduction of his portrait continues that narrative, inviting us to reflect on the stories we tell about work, identity, and belonging.