Portret van Bruno van der Dussen c. 1792 - 1808

Lambertus Antonius Claessens created this portrait of Bruno van der Dussen using etching. The work serves as a window into the aesthetic and social values of its time, particularly regarding the representation of status and identity. Bruno van der Dussen, likely a member of the Dutch elite, is portrayed with the trappings of wealth and power, most notably in the elaborate wig which was a symbol of status and belonging to the upper class. What is also worth considering are the subtle gestures within the portrait which speak to the politics of representation. The almost excessive attention to detail is a reflection of the societal emphasis on appearances, something that has been used throughout history as a means to include and exclude. The piece may invite us to consider how the construction of identity through art can both reflect and reinforce societal hierarchies.