Portret van Alexander van der Capellen 1777

Reinier Vinkeles created this print of Alexander van der Capellen in the Netherlands. The print speaks to the values of the Dutch Enlightenment, emphasizing civic virtue and individual accomplishment. Consider the visual cues of status and intellect, such as van der Capellen’s clothing, that would have been recognizable to viewers at the time. His family's coat of arms further underscores his noble lineage. Vinkeles's print speaks to a very specific social class and their associated values. During the Dutch Enlightenment, there was a growing interest in individual rights and freedoms, and in the role of government in protecting those rights. This print may have been part of a broader effort to celebrate and promote these values. To understand this print fully, we can consult period books, pamphlets, and newspapers. These shed light on the ideals and debates circulating during the Dutch Enlightenment, revealing how artists like Vinkeles contributed to the shaping of public opinion through imagery.