Portret van Jean de la Chambre 1638

This is Jonas Suyderhoef’s portrait of Jean de la Chambre, etched in the 17th century, which captures the sitter in the act of writing. Note the pen in his hand, an object laden with meaning. It symbolizes not just literacy but intellectual prowess and creative expression. The pen is an attribute but also an active participant, linking the sitter to the classical tradition of scholars and philosophers immortalized with their tools of thought. Consider how the simple act of writing has been depicted across centuries, from ancient Egyptian scribes with reed pens to Renaissance scholars, each image carrying the weight of knowledge and societal influence. The gesture of holding a pen, deeply embedded in our cultural memory, has evolved. But it has retained its core association with intellect and authority, a concept that powerfully engages us, stirring deep-seated admiration for knowledge. The image of the pen is a testament to the cyclical progression of symbols, constantly resurfacing and adapting, yet forever bound to its historical roots.