Portret van Johannes Visscher 1748 - 1750

This is Jacob Houbraken’s portrait of Johannes Visscher. Houbraken, born in 1698, was a prominent engraver during the Dutch Golden Age. Visscher's portrayal, framed by an open window and adorned with symbols of scholarship, speaks to the values of the Dutch Enlightenment, where intellectual pursuits were celebrated. His confident gaze and poised demeanor suggest a man of accomplishment and authority, yet there is also a sense of humanity in his expression. Consider the historical backdrop against which Visscher lived, during a period of colonialism and evolving social structures. His identity as a scholar undoubtedly intersected with prevailing attitudes towards race, class, and gender. Houbraken's portrait immortalizes Visscher, inviting us to ponder the complexities of identity and representation within the context of 18th-century Dutch society.