Portret van Voltaire 1731 - 1779

This is Richard Houston’s portrait of Voltaire, engraved in the 18th century and now held at the Rijksmuseum. Here, we see the famed Enlightenment writer at his desk, quill in hand, caught in the act of creation. Observe the books lining the shelves behind him, symbols of knowledge and reason, the very pillars of the Enlightenment. This image echoes scenes from antiquity, where philosophers like Plato were depicted surrounded by scrolls, their minds illuminated by wisdom. But consider too, the quill in Voltaire's hand. The act of writing, in its simplicity, has been elevated to an act of profound cultural significance. The act of writing is echoed through history, from monks diligently copying manuscripts to revolutionaries penning manifestos. It has shifted from sacred preservation to radical dissemination of thought. It reminds us that the written word can be a potent force for change, a means of shaping our world. A powerful image to ignite our own creative spark and inspire us to make our mark upon the world.