Portret van een onbekend kind met oorbel c. 1720 - 1770

This small, unsigned portrait at the Rijksmuseum depicts an unknown child wearing an earring, rendered in what appears to be pen and ink. The presence of a child of African descent in a European portrait during this era prompts us to consider the dynamics of race, class, and representation. The child's European-style clothing and the delicate pearl earring suggest a certain status, possibly indicating that they were a servant or a child in a wealthy household. The gaze is averted. We do not know the child's story, their lived experiences, or even their name. What does it mean to have your image preserved, yet your identity erased? The anonymity of the artist only adds to the mystery and the sense of loss. This portrait invites us to reflect on the complexities of identity and representation. It serves as a reminder of the individuals whose stories have been marginalized, and the importance of recognizing their presence within the larger narrative of history.