Portret van Cornelis de Witt 1783 - 1795

Reinier Vinkeles created this portrait of Cornelis de Witt using etching. The portrait is set within an oval frame, a shape symbolic of eternity, and is accompanied by a maritime scene below, reflective of De Witt's naval achievements. The oval surrounding the portrait echoes the ancient Roman tradition of depicting emperors and dignitaries in medallions, a motif of power and timelessness. This recalls the "imago clipeata," the shield portrait meant to immortalize the subject. The maritime scene below, bustling with ships, serves not only as a backdrop but also as a stage upon which De Witt's life drama unfolds. Such imagery is a direct descendant of the classical friezes, where narrative and portraiture intertwined to celebrate heroic deeds. These symbols are more than mere decoration; they engage our collective memory, reminding us of the human desire to leave a lasting impression on the world. The visual language of power is here revived, demonstrating its cyclical resurgence through history.