Portret van Joan Michaël Fleischmann 1768

Reinier Vinkeles created this portrait of Joan Michaël Fleischmann using etching and engraving. It offers us a glimpse into the world of the 18th century and the values it upheld. Portraits like these were more than just images; they were statements of identity and status. Fleischmann, framed within an oval, is surrounded by the tools of his trade, which highlights the importance of skill and profession in defining a man's worth. But there's also a vulnerability here, a sense of the individual amidst the expectations of society. Consider the cultural context: this was a time of strict social hierarchies, where one's place in society was largely determined by birth and occupation. Fleischmann, through his work, navigated this world, asserting his identity through craft. The emotional resonance of this piece lies in its quiet acknowledgement of the individual's struggle to define himself within the confines of his time. Vinkeles' portrait captures not just a likeness, but a moment in the ongoing negotiation between self and society.