Portret van Gerard Conrad Bernard Suringar Possibly 1846

This is Johann Peter Berghaus’s portrait of Gerard Conrad Bernard Suringar, made with graphite and charcoal. The book he holds is the dominant symbol here, representing knowledge, wisdom, and the transmission of ideas. It is a motif that goes back to antiquity, seen in depictions of philosophers and scholars. This symbol is not static; it evolves, mirroring the shifting role of knowledge in society. The book, often associated with divine wisdom in religious art, transforms into a symbol of secular knowledge during the Renaissance. This evolution reflects our collective shift from sacred to scientific understanding. The act of holding a book, a gesture seen across centuries, speaks to a deeper, almost subconscious desire to connect with knowledge. It serves as a powerful reminder of humanity’s enduring quest for understanding. The book remains a potent symbol, constantly reinventing itself.