Portret van René Descartes 1644 - 1659

This engraved portrait of René Descartes, created between 1644 and 1659 by Franciscus van (I) Schooten, is a striking example of 17th-century Dutch portraiture. The image depicts Descartes in a formal pose, dressed in a black coat and white collar, and gazing directly at the viewer with a thoughtful expression. The detailed engraving captures the subtle nuances of Descartes' face, his thoughtful gaze, and the textures of his clothing. The Latin inscription surrounding the portrait highlights Descartes' philosophical achievements, referring to him as "the first to bring forth truth from the long darkness" and a "wise mystic," underscoring his significance as a renowned philosopher and mathematician of his time.