Portretten van Seneca en Ignatius van Loyola 1696

This 1696 drawing by Hendrick van Beaumont depicts portraits of two important figures: Seneca and Ignatius of Loyola. The drawing features a detailed portrait of Seneca, his face and beard rendered in red chalk with his long hair drawn in grey. Above him, in a octagonal frame, is a bust of Ignatius, also in red chalk, with a halo emanating from his head. Both figures are likely meant to symbolize the contrast between the Stoic philosophical tradition and the Catholic spirituality of the Jesuit order founded by Ignatius. The drawing demonstrates van Beaumont's skill in portraiture and his ability to depict the character and personality of his subjects through a detailed and nuanced style.