Artwork
René Descartes
René Descartes is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jonas Suyderhoff. It dates from 1654 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:across top of plate: NATVS HAGAE TVRONVM PRIDIE CA. APR 1596. DENATVS HOLMIA. CAL. FEB. 1650; across bottom of plate below image: RENATVS DESCARTES, NOBILIS GALLUS, PERRONI DOMINUS, SUMMUS MATHEMATICUS & PHILOSOPHUS. / Talis erat vultu NATVRAE FILIVS: unus / Qui Menti in Matris viscera pandid iter. / Assignansq suis quavis miracula causis, / Miraclum reliquum solus in orbe fuit. / F. Hals pinxit Il Suijderhoeff sculpsit; by later hand, lower right center in graphite: VAR
About this work
Overview
This print is an engraving on laid paper created by Jonas Suyderhoff around 1654, depicting the philosopher and mathematician René Descartes.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait shows Descartes with a contemplative expression, wearing 17th-century attire and holding a paper, highlighting his intellectual pursuits. The accompanying text identifies him as a prominent figure in mathematics and philosophy.
Technique & Style
The engraving features sharp, detailed lines that demonstrate the artist's skill in the printing process, capturing the subtleties of Descartes' facial expression and attire.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
