Portret van Jan Bart 1835 - 1837

Victor Florence Pollet created this print of Jan Bart in the 19th century. Bart, a celebrated naval hero, is rendered with the markers of status – his clothing, feathered hat, and sword symbolize the class and gender hierarchies of the time. Pollet was working during a period of significant social change, following the French Revolution and the rise of industrialization. The print engages with constructing national heroes and perpetuating idealized images of masculinity. Here, Bart's nonchalant pose, combined with the trappings of wealth, creates a narrative of power and authority. Prints like this were often circulated widely, contributing to the formation of public opinion and collective memory. Consider how such imagery may have shaped the identity and aspirations of individuals within that society. The print thus serves not only as a portrait of an individual but also as a reflection of broader societal values and power structures.