TNTL 113

Wiel Kusters

‘De waere Beeltenis'
P.C. Hoofts erotiek van de blik

Abstract - This article deals with P.C. Hooft's ‘erotics of vision'. After a short survey of Dutch visual culture in the seventeenth century and the new and dominant role of the eye in empirical science, the author concentrates on two of Hooft's sonnets. The first of these is related to Plato's theory of vision, as set forth in his Theaetetus. The second sonnet seems to have taken some of its connotations from seventeenth- century anatomic theatre, which in Holland was imbued with vanitas ideas. The poem is then linked with the allegorical category of emblem books and Hooft's own Afbeel- dinghen van minne (Images of love). The allegorical gaze dissects physical reality in order to construct metonymical meaning. Throughout the article P.C. Hooft is being compared with Constantijn Huygens, who took a great interest in science and new optical devices, whereas Hooft was obviously a more traditional humanist, concentrating on literature and history.