Portret van William Cheselden 1798 - 1841

This is a portrait of William Cheselden made with etching and possibly other techniques by Charles Aimé Forestier. This image has an institutional history, as it probably reproduces an earlier portrait to be circulated more widely, and is a product of its time. Cheselden was a famous surgeon who lived from 1688 to 1752, so this later print speaks to his enduring importance in the medical profession. Forestier was a 19th century artist, and this image reflects the values of its moment. The print flattens the subject, and while it aims for likeness, it does not quite obtain it. We can contrast this with earlier images of Cheselden, made closer to his lifetime, where the sitter is given much more energy. To understand images like this we can consult sources such as medical biographies, genealogical records, and histories of the print trade. Art history reminds us that the meaning of an artwork is contingent on its social and institutional context.