Portret van professor Jan Konijnenburg c. 1810 - 1838

This delicate portrait of Professor Jan Konijnenburg, etched by Anthonie van den Bos, captures more than just a likeness; it speaks to the enduring human desire to immortalize through image. Consider the oval frame – a motif that echoes through portraiture across centuries, reminiscent of ancient cameos and Renaissance medals. This shape, seemingly simple, signifies enclosure, containment, but also highlights the sitter as a precious object, a treasure to be preserved. The gesture of looking, the sitter directly engaging the viewer, is a pose that is both inviting and assertive. This gaze, carried through millennia of portraiture, evolves from the direct stare of Roman busts to the knowing glances of Renaissance nobles. What does it mean to look directly at someone – and to be looked at? It invokes our subconscious; a silent dialogue between the subject and the viewer. The professor’s gaze holds a certain weight, perhaps reflecting the gravitas associated with knowledge. This isn't just a picture; it's a moment captured, continually re-experienced across time.