Portret van de werktuigkundige Cornelis Redelijkheid 1752 - 1823

Johannes Cornelis Mertens created this portrait of Cornelis Redelijkheid using etching and engraving techniques. During the 18th century, the Dutch Republic saw the rise of a merchant class whose identity was deeply intertwined with trade, colonialism and intellectualism. Redelijkheid was a mechanical engineer, a profession rising in prominence as new technologies were being invented and employed. The portrait depicts him as a figure of authority. His gaze is direct, yet his expression conveys a sense of introspection. The details in his clothing, particularly the buttons and frills, suggest his status and wealth. The oval format gives the portrait a classical and timeless feel. The image is more than a simple depiction of an individual; it reflects the complex interplay of identity, profession, and societal values during a transformative era. It invites reflection on the legacies of the past and their impact on our present.