Portret van H.J.A.M. Schaepman 1874 - 1925

This is Jan Veth's pencil drawing, "Portret van H.J.A.M. Schaepman", now held at the Rijksmuseum. Veth, living from 1864 to 1925, captured his sitter against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world. Schaepman, a prominent Catholic priest and politician in the Netherlands, is portrayed in a moment of contemplation, bent over a writing desk. The artwork evokes questions about the intersection of religious authority and political power during a period marked by social and ideological shifts. How did Schaepman reconcile his religious beliefs with his role in shaping secular policy? Veth’s choice to depict Schaepman in such an intimate, introspective pose provides a window into the personal dimensions of a public figure. It invites us to consider the complexities inherent in navigating personal conviction and public responsibility. Consider how the subtleties of expression reveal the character of a man deeply engaged in the issues of his time.