Adrianus van Royen (1704-79), hoogleraar in de geneeskunde en kruidkunde te Leiden c. 1730 - 1770

Curator: This oval portrait, a painting likely dating from the mid-18th century, depicts Adrianus van Royen. Van Royen was a prominent professor of medicine and botany at Leiden University. Editor: Well, he definitely looks like he spends a lot of time thinking! I love the slightly mischievous twinkle in his eyes though; you can almost sense his enthusiasm for his craft. And he clearly takes pride in his powdered wig. Curator: The portrait aligns with the Dutch Baroque style that was prevalent during that time, emphasizing realism in depicting prominent figures. We see it here in the soft light. Such portraits played an important role for civic-minded professionals. Editor: It’s intriguing to imagine him surrounded by towering bookshelves in his library or explaining the healing properties of exotic plants to students. You can tell he’s really comfortable in his own skin – you almost never see such authenticity in paintings, at least back then. The simplicity in composition makes him even more endearing. Curator: Indeed, it speaks volumes about his character and status without resorting to flamboyant displays of wealth. These commissions celebrated a figure's importance, serving both commemorative and aspirational functions. And this was intended for a domestic setting. Editor: It almost feels like a tiny portal through time; he is watching us just as much as we are observing him! It really makes you wonder about what kind of plants he was obsessed with. It’s probably best that some secrets remain secret. Curator: This miniature is indeed fascinating. The piece prompts interesting discussions about the intersection of scientific inquiry, the ideals of academic portraiture, and our endless fascination with those who pushed the boundaries of knowledge. Editor: Yes! He had passions, fears, probably strange dreams… We carry similar miniature portraits today, and that commonality is weirdly comforting.