Portret van Cornelius Hasaeus 1692

Curator: Here we have Pieter van den Berge’s “Portret van Cornelius Hasaeus,” created in 1692. The artwork is an engraving, a type of print, housed at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: He has that slightly haunted look, doesn’t he? Like he’s seen something he can’t unsee. The oval framing gives it a slightly claustrophobic feel, even with all that inscription space surrounding him. Curator: The use of oval frames in portraiture was typical during the Baroque era, which aligns with the prevailing artistic trends in the Dutch Golden Age. More crucially, though, consider who Cornelius Hasaeus was. The inscription tells us he was a theology doctor and professor at the Athenaeum in Bremen. His expression could very well be reflective of his learnedness and spiritual contemplations. Editor: Learnedness, right! You know, when I look at these formal portraits I imagine the sitters thinking, "When will this be over?” But I agree, something about his eyes… they don't have that glint of forced dignity. They have seen things… Old books probably. I find the text around the image interesting, it speaks of poetry and words which create this whole image to appear bookish. Curator: The inclusion of lengthy Latin text surrounding the portrait served several purposes. Firstly, it amplified his professional identity and scholarly achievements within the broader academic community of the time. It functioned almost as a detailed caption or endorsement. Secondly, in a highly literate society, it served as a form of social currency, appealing to an elite audience. Editor: So like… an early LinkedIn endorsement? It makes the engraving less a snapshot of a person and more a constructed persona, packaged and presented to the world. Maybe that haunted look is from having to live up to the printed image! Curator: It speaks volumes about how carefully curated public images have always been, doesn’t it? Van den Berge captures not just Hasaeus's likeness, but a construction of his intellectual and social standing. The piece encourages reflection on portraiture's ability to both record and perform identity, so next time you see one, consider how context really does add another perspective. Editor: I will. It all feels less stilted and more deliberately performative now! I appreciate seeing past just the face into the story.