Portret van een onbekende man, mogelijk W. Evelinck 1857 - 1909

This print, possibly of W. Evelinck, was made by Emrik & Binger, though the exact date is unknown. The sitter, a man in bourgeois dress, is captured in a lithograph, a medium that rose to prominence in the 19th century due to its relative ease and affordability. In the Netherlands, lithography played a crucial role in disseminating images and information to a wider public. This portrait likely reflects the growing importance of the middle class and their desire for representation. The Rijksmuseum itself, as an institution, emerged during this period of social and political change, aiming to showcase Dutch art and history to a broader audience. To further understand this image, one might consult period directories, genealogical records, and art historical databases. Such research can reveal the sitter's identity, the artists' affiliations, and the print's original context, enriching our understanding of art's place within a specific historical milieu.