Portret van Carel August Gunkel 1859

This is Jan Heppener's dry needle print of Carel August Gunkel, made in 1859. The print depicts Gunkel in profile, his stern expression offset by the soft hat atop his head. Understanding the power of imagery means looking more closely at the social and political context in which Heppener made the print. In the Netherlands, the 19th century was a time of great political upheaval, with new ideas about democracy and individual freedom circulating widely. Prints like these, which were often distributed in newspapers and magazines, played an important role in shaping public opinion. Looking at portraits helps us think about how art both reflects and shapes society. What can we learn about Dutch society in the 1850s by looking at this portrait of Carel August Gunkel? An art historian might consult census records, newspaper articles, and other primary sources to learn more about the sitter and the artist.