Portret van A. J. van Pesch before 1878

This is a photographic portrait of A. J. van Pesch displayed alongside an illustration of a female figure, the latter of which is rich in symbolic meaning. Note the figure holding a mirror aloft. The mirror, throughout art history, has been a symbol of truth and self-knowledge. Often associated with vanity, we should also consider its power to reflect reality honestly. This symbol harkens back to classical antiquity, where such figures embodied virtues. We can consider the mirror as a symbol through time, from the Roman goddess Veritas holding a mirror to Renaissance allegories of prudence using mirrors to examine the self. This iconography evolves through time and continues to appear in art, reflecting a deep, psychological need for introspection and clarity. It encourages viewers to confront their own truths, echoing the figure’s call for honesty. The image subtly plays with our subconscious, suggesting that true understanding comes from facing our own reflection.