Portret van Isaac de Bruijn (1872-1953) 1922

Jan Veth painted this oil on canvas portrait of Isaac de Bruijn, sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. Painting portraits on canvas involves a fascinating interplay of materials and techniques, each contributing to the final image. First, the canvas itself, usually linen or cotton, would have been stretched and primed to create a receptive surface. Veth would build up the image in layers using brushes, manipulating the viscosity and texture of the paint to achieve the desired effects, from smooth skin tones to the crisp lines of de Bruijn’s suit. But it's not only the paint and brushstrokes that bring meaning to the work. The very act of commissioning and creating a portrait speaks to social status and the desire for commemoration, reflecting the economic and cultural context of the time. Portraiture has always been a way for people to assert their place in the world. Paying attention to how it was made, and why, helps us appreciate the full picture.