Portret van Wouter Johannes van Troostwijk c. 1819 - 1921

This is an undated portrait of Wouter Johannes van Troostwijk by an anonymous artist. The portrait, done in a delicate hatching technique, provides an interesting look into the representation of men during its time. Troostwijk is rendered with careful attention to the soft curls framing his face, his gaze direct and confident. His clothing, a high-collared shirt and tailored jacket, speaks to a certain social standing, a visual declaration of status within the confines of Dutch society. However, the artist remains unknown, a faceless figure, which prompts us to consider the power dynamics inherent in portraiture. Who gets remembered, and who does the remembering? While Troostwijk is immortalized, the artist fades into anonymity. This portrait offers a moment to reflect on the stories that get told and the ones that remain hidden.