Silhouetportret van Herman Fangman 1809 - 1848

This silhouette portrait of Herman Fangman was created by Pieter Barbiers IV, likely in the Netherlands in the first half of the 19th century. The stark black figure against the neutral background speaks to a time when portraiture was becoming more widely accessible, yet still retained a sense of formality and social distinction. The choice of silhouette as a medium is telling. It offered a relatively inexpensive and quick way to capture a likeness, democratizing portraiture to some extent. Yet, the subject's attire, suggests a man of the cloth, indicating his elevated status within the community. The inclusion of the inscription "Gedeponeerd," meaning deposited or registered, hints at the emergence of intellectual property and artistic rights during this period. Art history isn't just about aesthetics; it's about understanding the social and economic conditions that shape artistic production. By exploring archival records, genealogical information, and period publications, we can uncover the stories behind the art and its subjects.