Visitekaart van Jean Bernard, onderwijzer in tekenen 1785 - 1833

This is Jean Bernard's calling card, a subtle work likely crafted in the late 18th or early 19th century. It features delicate lettering and embellishments on what appears to be a metallic surface. The artist's name and profession are carefully inscribed within an oval frame made of spiraling ribbon. The composition is an exploration of figure and ground. The script and ornamentation exist in contrast to the plainness of the card's material. This contrast invites us to consider the function of such an object within its social context. The card operates as a sign, communicating not just Bernard's identity but also his status and aspirations. The artist's careful arrangement of text and decorative elements speaks to a broader concern with order and aesthetics during the Enlightenment era. The rigid, rectangular shape of the card is softened by the organic, curvilinear forms of the script and ribbon border. This interplay between order and fluidity reflects a philosophical tension between reason and sensibility. The card offers a space for ongoing interpretations of identity, profession, and artistic intent.