Portret van Radbodus Hermannus Schelius 1773

This engraving of Radbodus Hermannus Schelius was created by Reinier Vinkeles in the late 18th century. Vinkeles, working during the Enlightenment, situates Schelius within a visual language that evokes classical virtue and status. Note the Latin inscription which underscores Schelius’s nobility and commitment to freedom. Schelius is presented as a man of integrity, untouched by ambition, and led by a love for his country, but this idealized portrayal reflects the complex dynamics of power and representation during this period. Consider the emotional resonance of this portrait. Does it invite admiration, curiosity, or perhaps a critical reflection on the legacies of aristocracy and national identity? The print invites us to consider how historical figures are remembered, and the values they represent within the broader narrative of Dutch history.