Portret van Petrus Cuypers 1640 - 1669

This is an engraving of Petrus Cuypers, created by an anonymous artist. As we look at this portrait, we are invited to consider the representation of identity, particularly concerning status and profession. The inscription accompanying Cuypers' image denotes him as "Eques", Knight in Latin. This title highlights the significance of social rank in how individuals were perceived and presented. In a society where hierarchy influenced every aspect of life, portraits like these served not only as likenesses but also as symbols of social standing. Consider how the artist uses the visual language of portraiture to convey Cuypers's identity, balancing personal characteristics with symbols of his societal role. What does it mean to capture a person's essence when that essence is so intertwined with their place in the world? This engraving offers us a glimpse into a world where identity was as much constructed by society as it was intrinsic to the individual.