Buste van Charles Rochussen door Bart van Hove 1884 - 1885

Pieter Oosterhuis captured this image of Bart van Hove's bust of Charles Rochussen, reflecting the 19th-century Dutch art scene's fascination with portraiture and public persona. The image encapsulates an era where identity was carefully crafted and communicated through art. Rochussen, a prominent artist in his own right, is immortalized in this bust, holding what looks like a book, which speaks to his intellectual and creative contributions. But what does it mean to memorialize someone in this way? The male gaze dominates the visual arts and society. What women artists or intellectuals were excluded from such recognition? The photograph is also marked by the signature "Charlie Rochussen". A personal mark that connects to his cultural status and the complex relationship between artist, subject, and audience. The piece invites us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in artistic representation, and the stories that remain untold.