Portret van Jan van Gool 1720 - 1749

Aert Schouman made this portrait of Jan van Gool using pen in gray ink and brush in gray and black ink. This is not just a portrait of an artist by an artist, but a glimpse into the artistic community and its self-image in 18th-century Netherlands. Van Gool is depicted with his tools, palette in hand, and an open book displaying a pastoral scene. The curtain framing him and the window-like ledge create a stage for the artist. This theatricality speaks to the performative aspect of art and the artist's role as a public figure. The Dutch Republic during this period saw the rise of art societies and academies. These institutions shaped artistic taste and provided a platform for artists to network and exhibit their work. Schouman and van Gool were both members of these societies, and their participation reflects a desire to cultivate a shared artistic identity. To fully understand this portrait, one might consult the archives of these art societies, exhibition catalogs, and artists' biographies to better understand its art-historical context.