Portret van een jongen 1824 - 1864

This is 'Portret van een jongen', or 'Portrait of a Boy', made by Huib van Hove Bz, sometime in the mid-19th century. The image gives us a glimpse into the visual culture of the Netherlands at this time. Notice the boy’s simple, dark clothing and the plain background, which suggests a focus on the individual rather than on wealth or status. Van Hove, working in the tradition of Dutch Realism, aimed to capture the likeness of his subject, but also the social context that shaped him. Consider the etching technique itself. In a time before photography, etchings were often commissioned to document individuals. The Rijksmuseum's records can reveal details about the boy's family, their social standing, and the purpose of this portrait. Perhaps it was a memento for loved ones, or a statement of identity. Art like this becomes a valuable resource. We can use it to explore the social conditions, the family structures, and the institutional practices that gave shape to 19th-century Dutch society.