Portret van de schrijver Jacques Fabrice Herman Perk, en profil c. 1874 - 1925

Jan Veth rendered this portrait of Jacques Perk in profile, a pose laden with historical echoes. The profile, an ancient form harking back to Roman coins and Renaissance portraiture, was revived here. This choice emphasizes the sitter's noble bearing, idealizing Perk. The profile, in its stark simplicity, recalls ancient cameos and the busts of Roman emperors, signaling authority and timelessness. Yet, Veth’s drawing, with its soft lines and subtle shading, presents a more intimate view. The profile view, in particular, carries a psychological weight; presenting one side, it simultaneously conceals the other, inviting a deeper contemplation on the hidden aspects of the sitter’s persona. The act of portraying someone in profile has evolved, its symbolic power enduring and adapting through the ages. The human psyche responds to these visual cues, engaging with the portrait on a level that transcends mere representation. Thus, this portrait is not just an image of Perk, but a confluence of historical memory and artistic intention, resonating with the viewer across time.