Portret van meneer Geerts 1883

Willem Philip van der Veken made this portrait of Mr. Geerts with pen in hand around the turn of the century. It's a small portrait, so likely intended for private use. It's hard to pin down exactly when it was made, but we can guess that it reflects the social conditions of its time. The man is wearing a suit, suggesting middle class status at least, and looks to be a person of some importance. During this period, the Netherlands was undergoing significant social and political changes, with the rise of industrialization and the growth of the middle class. Perhaps Mr. Geerts was part of this new class of entrepreneurs and professionals. Looking closely at this image, we can reflect on what it meant to be a citizen of the Netherlands at this moment in history. We might ask: how did the social structures of the time influence the way people saw themselves and others? Historical archives and genealogical records could help us learn more about Mr. Geerts and his place in society.