Portret van J.F. van Campenhout 1787

This is J.F. De La Rue’s portrait of J.F. van Campenhout, an engraving, offering us a glimpse into the life of a Brussels native born in 1738. Campenhout's attire, complete with a powdered wig and formal jacket, speaks to the norms and expectations of upper-middle-class European society. Yet, engravings like these were often tools of social positioning, designed to project an image of respectability and status. The inscription notes Campenhout was the ‘Sindic de la Nation de SPierre en 1787,’ suggesting his involvement in governing or representing a community. What does it mean to be a leader or representative during a time of social upheaval and revolution? Consider how portraits like these both reflect and shape societal values. They memorialize individuals but also construct narratives of identity and belonging. The formal composition contrasts with the personal story it hints at, revealing the complexities inherent in portraying a life during the transformative 18th century.