Portret van John Locke 1755 - 1765

This is Pierre Dupin’s engraving of John Locke. The portrait, framed within an oval, emphasizes Locke's intellectual stature through its classical form. Note the coat of arms beneath the portrait. Such emblems were not merely decorative; they symbolized lineage, power, and the enduring legacy of a family. Think back to medieval tapestries and Renaissance paintings, where heraldic symbols reinforced the social order and familial pride. The oval frame itself, a motif echoing through centuries, from ancient Roman cameos to Renaissance portraiture, signifies containment and focus. It concentrates our gaze on Locke, suggesting the importance of the individual within the frame of society and history. This motif resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.