Portret van Wolther Wolthers 1840 - 1870

This is a portrait of Wolther Wolthers, a drawing by Jan Hindrik Kiewiet de Jonge. The most striking symbol here is the stern gaze directed at us, the viewers. This gaze reminds me of ancient Roman portraiture, where the subject's intense stare was meant to convey authority and virtue. In earlier times, the gaze was often used in religious art to connect with the divine. Consider the penetrating eyes of Byzantine icons, believed to possess a direct link to the spiritual realm, a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. Over time, the meaning of this direct gaze has shifted. What began as a symbol of authority and divinity has become a mark of individuality and self-awareness. The gaze in this drawing has resurfaced and evolved, taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.