Portret van Frans Corneel Gislenus Cuypers van Rijmenam c. 1760

This engraving by Richard Brookshaw portrays Frans Corneel Gislenus Cuypers van Rijmenam, capturing the visual language of 18th-century European aristocracy. Brookshaw, working during a time of immense social stratification, reproduces the conventions of portraiture that elevated the sitter. Cuypers, framed within an oval and surrounded by symbols of wealth and status, embodies the ideals of the ruling class. The composition, combined with the formal attire, reinforce his identity as a man of power and privilege. Consider how Brookshaw, as the artist, navigates his own identity and social standing within the context of patronage and the art market. This image is not just a depiction of an individual but a complex interplay of social forces, artistic skill, and the construction of identity in a hierarchical society. Brookshaw’s composition invites us to reflect on the visual strategies employed to reinforce status.