Portret van Frans Coenen 1870 - 1923

Willem Witsen rendered this portrait of Frans Coenen in graphite, capturing the likeness of the Dutch author and musician. Observe the beard. The beard is a symbol of authority, wisdom, and virility, and has been cultivated and styled throughout history. Think of the ancient Mesopotamian rulers with their meticulously groomed beards, each curl signifying power and prestige. Now, consider how that image resonates here, in Witsen's portrayal of Coenen. The beard, though of a different style, still carries a trace of those primal associations. This emblem of maturity resurfaces throughout art history, each time inflected with the cultural values of its era. Just as the beard in ancient art conveyed divine right, in the 19th century, it represented intellectual gravitas. It’s a cultural echo, a visual motif that evolves, yet remains tethered to its ancient roots. It’s a fascinating example of how symbols are not static, but rather, are continuously reinterpreted.