Portret van René Descartes 1670 - 1713

This etching by Pieter Schenk depicts the French philosopher René Descartes. The portrait, housed in the Rijksmuseum, presents Descartes in a formal pose, his hand resting on a table. The artist's use of chiaroscuro, a technique that emphasizes light and shadow, adds depth and drama to the composition. The inscription below the image further identifies Descartes as a "nobleman of Gaul, a highly learned man in mathematics and philosophy." This portrait captures Descartes' intellectual presence, emphasizing his significant contributions to science and philosophy.