Portret van J.J. Bylaert 1749 - 1809

This is a portrait of J.J. Bylaert, made by Joannis Jacobus Bijlaert, using etching. We see not just an individual, but the representation of an artist in the late 18th century. Bijlaert, who lived through a period of significant political and social change, presents himself through a very specific lens. The portrait, palette, and brushes speak to his profession, but also to the identity he wishes to project. The gaze is open, inviting a connection, yet it’s also carefully constructed, fitting within the conventions of portraiture at the time. Consider the emotional weight carried by such images. They are not just representations, but assertions of identity, shaped by both personal desires and societal expectations. Bijlaert seems to be asking: how do we see ourselves, and how do we want to be seen? This portrait embodies the complex interplay between identity, representation, and the artist's own hand in shaping their narrative.