Portret van Bernhard de Fontenelle 1726

Curator: Welcome. We’re looking at an engraving dating back to 1726, "Portret van Bernhard de Fontenelle," created by Martin Bernigeroth. It's currently housed right here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: Oh, intriguing! My first impression is a blend of intellectual curiosity and quiet contemplation. It feels like a peek into the mind of a philosopher. Curator: Exactly! Fontenelle was, after all, a significant figure in the French Academy of Sciences, as the inscription below the portrait indicates. The artwork offers a glimpse into the intellectual circles of the Baroque era. Editor: It's the hat, isn't it? It commands so much space and volume. A quiet revolution of the mind hidden underneath a somewhat outrageous headpiece. I also see the portrait as restrained and carefully delineated through hatching. It is formal and thoughtful. Curator: Certainly, the medium—engraving—contributes to the formality, aligning with the period's emphasis on reason and order. The proliferation of prints played an important role in the dissemination of knowledge, shaping public perception and discourse around scientific thought. Editor: That's so true. It speaks of accessible wisdom and the popularization of knowledge during that period. Although I would not say he looks incredibly pleased with having his likeness duplicated like this! Curator: Portraits of academics in this era weren't just about capturing likeness. They also served to solidify their reputation and promote the institutions they represented. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about in the age of social media and the relentless selfie. What do you think people will infer about us 300 years from now based on these rapidly shared images of ourselves? Curator: A question for the ages! But for now, let's leave our listeners to ponder on this image of Bernhard. I believe that there is a lot here that is still very contemporary. Editor: Yes, a wonderful portrait indeed! And from this perspective, it invites questions regarding legacy, visibility and personality that are just as relevant now as they were then.