Portret van David van der Plaes 1670 - 1719

Arnold Houbraken rendered this portrait of David van der Plaes with pen in gray ink and brush in gray wash. Notice the artist's palette at the bottom corner, a symbol deeply entwined with the act of creation. It represents not merely the tools of the trade but the very essence of artistic expression. The palette, a flat surface holding a spectrum of colors, is an ancient symbol, echoing in the Egyptian artists' palettes found in tombs, laden with pigments for the afterlife. But the artist's gaze, direct and self-assured, transcends time, reminding me of the penetrating stares in Rembrandt's self-portraits. It speaks to the artist's inner world, his struggles, and triumphs, made visible for us to witness across centuries. This gaze embodies the Renaissance concept of the artist as a visionary, someone whose craft is elevated to the level of intellectual pursuit. The portrait becomes a mirror, not just of the sitter’s likeness, but of the observer’s soul. It's a motif that continues to resonate today, a testament to the enduring power of images and the human psyche's capacity for remembrance.