Portret van René Descartes 1700 - 1751

This is Pierre Dupin’s engraving of René Descartes, made in France sometime around the first half of the 18th century, over half a century after Descartes’ death. Dupin’s print of Descartes is a valuable historical document, reflecting the philosopher’s lasting impact on European thought. The visual codes, like the oval frame and heraldic shield, give the portrait a sense of established authority. Descartes, who lived from 1596 to 1650, was a hugely influential figure. His rationalist philosophy changed the course of Western thought, but his ideas also sparked heated debates within the Church and the academy. To fully understand this image, we need to consider the social and intellectual landscape of 18th-century France. What role did figures like Descartes play in shaping the French Enlightenment? How were philosophers viewed by the royal court and religious institutions? Investigating these questions through archival sources can help us understand the social life of images like this one.