Portret van Hendrik Aeneae 1762 - 1816

Editor: So, this is a print titled *Portret van Hendrik Aeneae* made by Reinier Vinkeles between 1762 and 1816, housed in the Rijksmuseum. It’s an engraving of a man in profile, framed in an oval. I’m struck by how formal and classical it feels. What stands out to you in terms of symbolism? Curator: The oval frame is the first thing that grabs me. The oval itself becomes a symbol – of enclosure, certainly, but also of preciousness. Think of how often portraits of important figures were framed this way. And in that oval, we see Aeneae, presented in profile, an almost coin-like depiction lending a sense of enduring legacy. Why do you think the artist chose a profile view instead of a full-frontal portrait? Editor: Maybe to emphasize certain features? It highlights his nose and jawline, giving him a strong, almost stoic presence. It also feels more...distant, somehow, less personal than a direct gaze. Curator: Exactly! The profile allows for a specific kind of projection. He becomes a type, an ideal rather than an individual. His gaze isn’t directed at us but towards some distant horizon. He is forward-looking, enlightened even. Also notice the inscription area, this relates him to memory. If we were to research this sitter, we might find out what type of legacy he has left behind and further enrich our understanding of what he means for Dutch culture and cultural memory. What did you notice in regards to the engraving itself? Editor: The linework is so delicate. It seems incredible they achieved this level of detail with engraving. I hadn’t considered the stoic implications of the profile versus a full frontal position before, but that makes a lot of sense. I will look more closely at that. Curator: Yes, the precision enhances this man’s place within Dutch History!