Portret van Hubert Matthijs Adriaan Jan van Asch van Wijk 1836

Dirk van Frankenhuysen created this portrait of Hubert Matthijs Adriaan Jan van Asch van Wijk, capturing his profile against the backdrop of a cityscape. Note how the buildings loom behind him, solidifying his connection to the civic. The profile portrait itself is an intriguing motif. Throughout history, rulers and influential figures have adopted the profile view, from ancient coins to Renaissance medals. This view emphasizes nobility and authority, suggesting a symbolic association with leadership and the enduring power of legacy. Consider the emotional weight of this convention, as the subject gazes into the future, embodying a sense of vision and purpose, and how this representation taps into our collective memory. In tracing the portrait's evolution, we see how the weight of tradition shapes our perception and understanding of power, underscoring the enduring presence of symbols across time.