René Descartes (1596–1650)

Jan Baptist Weenix (1621–1659), Portrait von René Descartes (1596–1650), Öl auf Leinwand, 45,1 x 34,9 cm, ca. 1647–1649; Bildquelle: © Collectie Centraal Museum, Utrecht/Ruben de Heer http://www.centraalmuseum.nl

The book which René Descartes is holding in his hands contains the words "Mundus est fabula" (the world is a fable). Is this a warning that even the apparently most dependable forms of knowledge may only be a fairy tale invented by man?

Jan Baptist Weenix (1621–1659), Portrait of René Descartes (1596–1650), oil on canvas, 45.1x34.9 cm, ca. 1647–1649; source: © Collectie Centraal Museum, Utrecht/Ruben de Heer.