Suzanna de Roth (1789-1822), echtgenote van Jonkheer Isaäc Pierre Graafland (1789-1825), raadsheer in het hooggerechtshof van Suriname c. 1820

This is a miniature portrait of Suzanna de Roth, made in the late 18th or early 19th century by an anonymous artist. The painting is characterized by its oval composition, encased within concentric frames of gold and dark wood, creating a sense of depth and containment. The artist's use of color is striking; Suzanna's blue dress stands out vividly against the muted background, drawing our eye to her figure. Note how the soft, diffused light gently illuminates her face, emphasizing her delicate features and refined demeanor. The formal construction directs our gaze, from the overall symmetry of the oval to the intimate focus on Suzanna's countenance. Consider the cultural codes at play here. Miniatures like this one were potent symbols of status and intimacy, suggesting a circulation within elite social networks. While ostensibly a representation of an individual, the portrait also operates as a signifier of broader social and economic structures. The artwork encapsulates the complex interplay between individual representation and collective identity.