Portret van J. Kampinga, oud-pedel van de senaat van Vindicat Atque Polit before 1899

This is an undated portrait of J. Kampinga, the former usher of the senate of Vindicat Atque Polit, made by an anonymous artist. The portrait offers us a glimpse into the world of Dutch student societies, evoking questions about tradition, power, and identity within these exclusive circles. Kampinga’s formal attire and poised demeanor suggest a figure deeply embedded in the hierarchical structure of the organization, so it is hard not to wonder about his life and role within this society. As the former usher, Kampinga was in charge of maintaining order, greeting guests, and representing the society's values. He reflects the visual codes of masculinity from the time, and embodies the society’s ideals and traditions. The lack of information about the artist makes us think about who is usually behind the image. It makes me think of the many people whose work goes unnoticed, yet it is still essential to the art-making process.