Portret van Willem Frederik baron van Roëll c. 1835

Henricus Wilhelmus Couwenberg made this portrait of Willem Frederik baron van Roëll with etching. During the 1800's powerful men held positions in society, leading to the creation of portraits such as these that signified their importance and status. In terms of identity, it is interesting to consider how gender and class intersect here. The portrait captures not just an individual likeness, but also the subject's societal role and privileges. The way Baron van Roëll is depicted, with his formal attire and decorations, speaks to a desire to maintain and project an image of authority. The artwork could evoke a sense of distance and formality, a feeling that might reflect the power dynamics of the time. It invites us to reflect on the historical narratives and power structures embedded within this formal representation.