Portret van Rijnvis Feith 1797 - 1804

This is Philippus Velijn’s portrait of Rijnvis Feith, made as a copper engraving. Velijn lived in a time of social and political upheaval, amidst enlightenment ideals and revolutions. Consider the role of portraiture in cementing the status of privileged white men like Feith. His stern gaze and formal attire speak to the values of the elite class during a period of vast social inequalities. Feith, a Dutch poet and lawyer, came from an environment where class distinctions were evident. Velijn was part of the Dutch artistic scene which, during this period, mirrored and often reinforced these societal structures. The very act of creating and displaying such portraits reflects the power dynamics of the time. The focus on individual achievement often overshadowed the contributions and struggles of other social groups. As you look at this image, reflect on who is included and excluded from the historical narrative. How does this portrait contribute to our understanding of the social and political landscape of that era?