Portret van Martin Birrius 1663

Curator: Here we have "Portret van Martin Birrius," an engraving crafted in 1663. The artist behind this piece, Christiaan Hagen, captured Birrius, who, according to the inscription, was a doctor of philosophy and medicine in Amsterdam. It’s now part of the Rijksmuseum collection. Editor: My first impression? Serious academic with rockstar hair! The formality of the pose and the inscription clashes amusingly with those incredible curls. Curator: That contrast speaks volumes, doesn't it? Hagen’s work, situated in the Baroque period, often aimed to capture the essence of the sitter, but also to reflect their social standing. The fact that Birrius is identified by his titles signals the importance of intellectual life and social status in Amsterdam at this time. The Latin inscription furthers this academic air. Editor: Absolutely. It reads: "What is troublesome to youth, is business. What is honorable to old age, is leisure. If it is not bad now, it will be so at some point.” Profound stuff, makes you wonder what kept him awake at night. I guess intellectual circles were a vibe in 17th-century Amsterdam! Curator: Exactly, Amsterdam was a hub of intellectual exchange and relative religious tolerance in that era. Think about Spinoza and other philosophers who were drawn to the city precisely because of its progressive political climate. A portrait like this can then be seen as a visual assertion of these intellectual values, particularly as they were embodied in figures like Birrius. The framing in an oval calls to the classical tradition, too, doesn’t it? Editor: Yeah, a total power move—classical with a groovy twist. The fine lines of the engraving really bring out the texture in his hair and the shadows in his robe, which adds depth, it feels incredibly personal somehow despite the formal trappings. The symmetry, though, hints at the constraints, maybe not everything was groovy for everyone. Curator: That’s an astute point, recognizing the constraints is essential. This era in the Dutch Republic saw both remarkable intellectual and economic growth alongside a complex social hierarchy. While Birrius enjoys the privilege of having his portrait engraved, we should acknowledge that this honor was only available to a select few, especially as concerns gender and class. Editor: Mmm, interesting. Gives me plenty to think about the next time I feel like complaining about societal norms... Thanks! Curator: And to me, underscoring the ever-present need to examine not just who is visible in history, but who remains unseen.