Portret van Jan Pietersz. Meerhuysen 1658 - 1750

This is a portrait of Jan Pietersz. Meerhuysen, etched by an anonymous artist. Jan Pietersz. Meerhuysen's confident gaze, elaborate moustache, and fashionable attire speak to the visual language of status and identity in the Dutch Golden Age. But what does it mean to perform identity? The intersection of wealth, status and self-presentation is palpable here. The way Jan Pietersz. Meerhuysen presents himself is a conscious act, reflecting his understanding of societal expectations and his desire to be seen in a particular light. Though rendered anonymously, the portrait encapsulates the spirit of an era marked by burgeoning trade, cultural exchange, and a growing emphasis on individual expression. In this small but potent image, we find a mirror reflecting the complexities of identity, ambition, and the human desire for recognition.