Jongensportret van Jan Philips François van der Vinne 1825 - 1862

Jan Adam Kruseman drew this portrait of Jan Philips François van der Vinne with graphite on paper. Kruseman, living in a time of growing Dutch national consciousness, likely aimed to capture more than just a likeness. The artwork is a window into 19th-century Dutch society and its focus on family lineage and civic identity. The young boy, with his gentle expression and neatly styled hair, embodies an idealized vision of youth and innocence. While portraits of children were common among the elite, this work offers a glimpse into the aspirations and values placed on the younger generation. How were they to carry forward the family name and contribute to the nation's cultural and economic growth? The subtlety of the graphite adds a layer of introspection to the piece. Consider how Kruseman, through his artistic skill, not only immortalizes a young boy but also reflects the hopes and expectations of an era.