Portret van Lucretia Wilhelmina van Merken 1792

Reinier Vinkeles' "Portret van Lucretia Wilhelmina van Merken" (1792) is a portrait of a woman in a domestic setting, captured in an intimate moment of writing. The print, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts Lucretia Wilhelmina van Merken seated at a desk with writing materials. Her attire and the bookshelves behind her suggest a woman of intellect and refinement. Vinkeles, a prominent Dutch engraver known for his portraits, utilizes fine detail and a subtle use of light and shadow to create a realistic and engaging depiction of his subject. This work exemplifies the artistic conventions of portraiture during the late 18th century, highlighting the importance of individuals and their social roles.