Portret van Aernout van Citters 1842 - 1897

This engraving by Christiaan Lodewijk van Kesteren depicts Aernout van Citters, framed within an oval, his name emblazoned beneath alongside his family's coat of arms. Heraldry, a language of symbols, was of course how families declared their lineage, status, and values across generations. Consider this impulse alongside the portraits that became popular in the Renaissance. Through portraiture, individuals sought to immortalize themselves, much like the ancient Egyptians who believed images ensured the survival of the soul. Yet here, the stern gaze and formal attire—reminiscent of Roman senatorial busts—speak to civic duty and honor, harking back to classical virtues. Observe how such symbols recur, each time molded by new societal demands. This isn't merely a linear progression; it's a cultural echo, reminding us how deeply rooted our present is in the past.