Portret van de Amsterdamse burgemeester Hendrik Danielsz Hooft 1787

Mathias de Sallieth created this print of Hendrik Danielsz Hooft, an Amsterdam mayor, in the late 18th century. This was a period when the Dutch Republic was grappling with internal political strife and the rising influence of Enlightenment ideals. Portraits were more than just representations of likeness. They were powerful statements about social standing and cultural values. The mayor is depicted wearing elaborate attire and a wig which signal wealth and status. But what does it mean to be a leader during times of change? You can feel the tension between tradition and the push towards new ways of thinking, as people began to question established norms and hierarchies. This portrait serves as a window into a society in transition, capturing the complexities of identity and power during a pivotal moment in history.