Desiderius Erasmus, David Jorisz. en Jan Snellinck I 1708 - 1780

This drawing by Jacob Houbraken, now in the Rijksmuseum, presents a visual cluster of portraits amidst symbolic objects, inviting us to consider the enduring presence of historical figures. Here, the open book, a potent symbol of knowledge and enlightenment, lies beside the framed portraits. This motif echoes through centuries, harking back to ancient depictions of scholars and prophets. Consider how, in earlier times, the scroll served a similar purpose, embodying wisdom and divine revelation. The faces themselves, emerging from their frames, remind us of the enduring human desire to capture and preserve likeness. The psychological weight of such images is profound; they are not merely representations, but vessels of memory. These faces resurface, transformed yet recognizable, reminding us that the past is never truly gone, but rather, continues to inform our present.