Portret van Johannes à Marck 1686 - 1713

Pieter Schenk created this portrait of Johannes à Marck, likely in the late 17th century, using the technique of etching. During the Dutch Golden Age, the Netherlands experienced a period of unprecedented economic, scientific, and cultural growth. Portraits such as this one were common, reflecting the rising merchant class and the importance of individual identity. Yet, they were typically reserved for men. À Marck’s status as a theologian, philosopher, and professor is evident in the Latin inscription beneath his image, underscoring the value placed on education and intellectual pursuits at the time. The portrait captures the sitter in the attire and hairstyle typical of the educated elite, reflecting the social norms and expectations of masculinity. However, by focusing on à Marck, the portrait also obscures the labor and lives of the many anonymous people whose work made this society possible, and whose likenesses were far less likely to be recorded. This image reminds us of the selective nature of representation and the stories that remain untold.