Portret van Isaac de Moucheron 1683 - 1746

Nicolaas Verkolje created this portrait of Isaac de Moucheron using watercolor and graphite. In the 18th century, portraiture was a currency of social status, and this work embodies the visual language of the Dutch elite. Isaac de Moucheron, the subject, was part of a wealthy and influential family, and his portrayal here is a careful construction of identity. The powdered wig, the soft, almost feminine features, and the delicate coloring all speak to a certain ideal of masculinity—one of refinement, intellect, and leisure. But what does it mean to perform this kind of identity? How does it intersect with notions of power and privilege? This portrait captures a moment in time, but also invites us to consider the broader social dynamics at play. It challenges us to think about how we, too, perform our identities and how those performances are shaped by the world around us.