Twee scènes uit de komedie Heauton Timorumenos van Terentius 1716

Bernard Picart created "Two Scenes from the Comedy Heauton Timorumenos by Terentius," an etching, sometime between 1696 and 1733. Picart, working in the Dutch Republic during the Enlightenment, was known for his detailed illustrations and engravings, often based on classical literature and mythology. This print, held at the Rijksmuseum, presents two distinct scenes, inviting us to consider the performance of identity through the lens of theater. On one side, we see a play unfolding, while on the other, a series of heads with varied expressions and headwear line up, evoking a range of characters and social roles. It makes me wonder about the performative nature of identity. During the Enlightenment, theater served as a powerful tool for social critique. It was a space where societal norms could be questioned and redefined. Picart’s etching captures this spirit, prompting us to reflect on the ways in which we all, in a sense, perform our identities in response to the world around us.