Zelfportret van Reinier Vinkeles I 1751 - 1816

Reinier Vinkeles made this self-portrait in the Netherlands, sometime around the turn of the 19th century, using pen and brown ink with brush in gray. Vinkeles lived through a period of great political upheaval in Dutch society, as the old aristocratic structures were challenged by new democratic ideas. The Netherlands was invaded by France in 1795 and became the Batavian Republic. The artist’s dress here is somewhat informal, suggesting the new relaxed codes of behavior that came along with these revolutionary ideas. Vinkeles came from a family of printmakers and was himself a successful engraver. He was part of a network of artists and publishers who helped to spread new ideas through prints and illustrations. He was also a member of Felix Meritis, a progressive cultural society in Amsterdam that promoted science, art, and education. To understand art like this, we need to consider its social and institutional context. Art historical research can draw on sources like letters, newspapers, and institutional records to shed light on the conditions in which art was made and consumed.