Portret van Henricus Bruno 1665

Reinier van Persijn created this portrait of Henricus Bruno, likely around the mid-17th century, using engraving techniques. The piece, held at the Rijksmuseum, offers insight into the cultural values of the Dutch Golden Age, where intellect and artistic expression were highly esteemed. Here, Bruno, presumably a man of letters, is captured in a manner that reflects both his profession and social standing. What does it mean to capture a man through verse, or image? The Latin text at the bottom, speaks to the nature of portraiture. It makes a claim for Bruno's worthiness to be captured in text. It also implies that his true likeness and essence can only be captured through poetry. Consider the power dynamics inherent in portraiture: who gets to be remembered and how? This portrait invites us to reflect on the societal structures that privilege certain identities and forms of expression. It prompts us to contemplate who has historically been deemed worthy of artistic representation, and what stories remain untold.