Lt. Kol. J. H. Holle Possibly 1874

Curator: We’re looking at what is titled "Lt. Kol. J. H. Holle," a drawing rendered in ink on paper, likely from 1874, crafted by van Breugel. Editor: It’s quite formal! The script seems meticulous. What can you tell me about Holle's societal context? Curator: Holle was, as the title suggests, a Lieutenant Colonel, likely a prominent figure in his time. The work seems to be related to the Koninklijke Militaire Academie, from text written within the art, which can reveal much about the subject and institutions of that period. It's an example of a genre-painting portrait reflecting that era. Editor: Given the rigid penmanship, the composition and lettering feel like components in the representation of status. I also see some light spots that evoke nostalgia, perhaps hinting at an important personal letter? Curator: Exactly. Considering its creation, it speaks to a tradition of commemorating figures in positions of power, and of imbuing such representations with symbolic significance of state and the prestige. The handwriting of van Breugel himself, further connects Holle with social networks of Dutch leadership, academia and political legacy. Editor: Do the details of Holle and Breugel tell us anything about the broader themes present here, beyond portraiture? Curator: Indeed. Given Breugel's detailed hand, the medium, this might have been a preparatory sketch for something grander— perhaps a more finished portrait for public display. Editor: Thinking about it, I'm seeing it as more than a portrait. It is now feeling more like an attempt to solidify institutional ties via representational format and memorialisation practices. Curator: That's well put. The work now gives us clues to the military institutions that affected daily life. We might never be able to understand exactly how they influenced Holle's status, though. Editor: Precisely. But through van Breugel's visual encoding, we can see that portraits often go well beyond just the subjects.