Portret van Carl Wilhelm Gaertner 1745

This is Johann Martin Bernigeroth’s portrait of Carl Wilhelm Gaertner, an engraving at the Rijksmuseum. Note the ornate frame surrounding Gaertner: it echoes classical architectural motifs with its acanthus leaves and symmetrical volutes. Such frames are not merely decorative; they are symbolic portals. The volutes, for example, appear in ancient Greek architecture, notably on Ionic capitals. These spiral forms, suggestive of growth and unfolding, became associated with knowledge and intellectual pursuit. Consider how the volute has traveled through time, adorning not just buildings but also illuminated manuscripts, and even hairstyles. This symbol's persistence reveals a deep-seated human desire to connect with classical ideals. The frame becomes a microcosm of cultural memory, invoking classical ideals of order and refinement. The portrait appeals to our collective consciousness, stirring a sense of connection with the past and the cyclical nature of cultural symbols.