Portret van Cornelius Ekama 1891

Willem Steelink created this portrait of Cornelius Ekama as an etching, but we don't know when. The work is fascinating because it speaks to the social role of portraiture in 19th-century Dutch society. Consider the format; portrait etchings like this one gained popularity as printed reproductions in this period became easier to produce and more widely available to a growing middle class. Patrons who could not afford a painted portrait might instead commission an etched portrait to commemorate themselves or their loved ones. But beyond pure likeness, the portrait makes claims about the sitter's status through details of dress, pose, and even the artist's style. These small-scale portraits played a key role in shaping and reinforcing social hierarchies. When we look at art through this historical lens, we can appreciate how deeply it is connected to the social conditions of its time. To study portraits like this one, historians might consult genealogical records, social registers, and period publications.