Portret van Gillis de Glarges 1842 - 1897

Christiaan Lodewijk van Kesteren made this portrait of Gillis de Glarges with etching around the mid-19th century, we don't know the exact date. Van Kesteren lived in a time of significant social and political change in the Netherlands. Photography was on the rise, challenging traditional portraiture. This context perhaps pushed the artist to experiment with etching techniques to capture not just a likeness, but also the essence of the sitter's social standing. Gillis de Glarges is presented here within the conventions of power, evident in his formal attire and the inclusion of his coat of arms. Yet, looking beyond the surface, this portrait also offers a glimpse into the personal dimension of identity. I wonder about the untold narratives of individuals immortalized through these images. This etching then is more than a historical record; it's an invitation to reflect on the complex interplay of identity, representation, and power across time.