Portret van Van Beekom 1776 - 1810

This is Govert Kitsen’s portrait of Van Beekom, made with etching around 1787. Enclosed within a round frame, the sitter gazes toward the viewer, his expression conveying a sense of enlightened confidence, typical of the era. We see this pictorial frame echoed through time, reminiscent of ancient Roman portraiture, where busts of emperors and philosophers were similarly enshrined. Consider, however, the subtle shift in meaning. In ancient times, such framing might signify deification or imperial authority. Here, in the late 18th century, it speaks more to the sitter's status within intellectual circles, highlighting his enlightened mindset. This urge to frame and immortalize, speaks to a fundamental human desire: to capture and preserve identity against the relentless flow of time. This portrait, like those ancient busts, offers a glimpse into the psychological landscape of its era. It serves as a potent reminder of the cyclical nature of cultural memory.