Silhouetportret van J. Mansen 1809 - 1848

Pieter Barbiers IV created this silhouette portrait of J. Mansen using paper and possibly scissors or a similar cutting tool. Silhouettes like this were a popular and affordable way to capture a person's likeness in the 18th and 19th centuries. The starkness of the black figure against the white background invites us to consider the social and cultural roles that defined individuals during this time. The subject’s identity is largely conveyed through his clothing, hairstyle, and posture, all signifiers of status and respectability. This way of representation was particularly relevant in societies where the emerging middle class sought ways to emulate the aristocracy. The lack of individual features can be seen as both a limitation and a statement, reducing a person to outlines and shadows. This can invite reflection on how society often categorizes individuals based on limited information. Consider how such representations shape our understanding of identity and belonging.