Portret van Suzanna Sablairolles 1846 - 1863

Hendrik Adriaan Christiaan Dekker created this portrait of Suzanna Sablairolles in the Netherlands, using lithography, though the exact date remains unknown. In the 19th century, the rise of portraiture, especially within the middle classes, reflects shifting social values. No longer solely the domain of the aristocracy, portraiture became a means of asserting social identity and status within a burgeoning capitalist society. The subject’s dress and bearing are visual codes that speak to her social standing, gender, and cultural values. Understanding this image requires us to consider the socio-political context of the Netherlands at the time, including its economic structures and the prevailing social norms. Art historical research into the artist, subject, and the institutions that might have commissioned or exhibited the work can further illuminate its meaning and significance.