Portret van Gerard van Swieten c. 1700 - 1800

Augustin Cipps produced this portrait of Gerard van Swieten using pen in gray and brush in gray and brown, over graphite. The drawing depicts a marble bust, a common form of honorific display in the 18th century. Van Swieten was a Dutch physician who became the personal physician of the Austrian Empress Maria Theresa. In that role, he reformed Austrian medical education, and he reorganized the university at Leuven. It would be easy to assume that the purpose of this portrait is simply to commemorate van Swieten's achievements. Yet, it is important to note the institutional context of artistic production. Cipps was commissioned to design medals at the Vienna Mint. This drawing is likely a study for a medal depicting van Swieten, designed to circulate amongst a specific group of people. To fully understand this image, historians consult primary source documents such as letters, diaries, and institutional records. By examining such sources, we gain a deeper understanding of the social conditions that shaped its creation and reception.