Portretbuste van een man 1620 - 1664

Cornelis Bloemaert made this portrait bust of a man as an engraving sometime in the 17th century. The Dutch Republic in this period saw an explosion of portraiture, fueled by the rise of a wealthy merchant class eager to display their status. But prints like this one, which would have been relatively inexpensive, also speak to the aspirations of those further down the social ladder. The sitter, whoever he was, clearly wanted to present himself as someone of substance. The laurel wreath around the portrait is a classical reference to fame and achievement, while the bees suggest industry and diligence. The Rijksmuseum, where this print is now housed, plays an important role in shaping our understanding of Dutch history and culture. By collecting, preserving, and displaying works like this, the museum helps to construct a narrative about the nation's past. To understand this portrait fully, we might turn to period sources such as household inventories, guild records, and of course, other portraits. By placing the artwork in its social and institutional context, we can gain a richer understanding of its meaning and significance.