Portret van Theodoor Schaepkens 1831 - 1904

Arnoud Schaepkens created this portrait of Theodoor Schaepkens using etching techniques. The piece reflects the period's fascination with portraiture, especially within artistic and intellectual circles. There's a palpable sense of introspection emanating from Theodoor’s gaze, which invites us to consider the dynamics of identity and representation. The artist, Arnoud, offers us a glimpse into the soul of his subject. What is it like to be represented by someone so close to you? This rendering eschews the traditional, idealized portraits common at the time, opting instead for a more intimate, almost vulnerable depiction. It prompts questions about how we perceive ourselves versus how we are seen by others, and the power dynamics inherent in such representations. The work perhaps touches upon the tension between public persona and private self.