Portret van W. van Wetering 1843 - 1890

Johan Hendrik Hoffmeister created this portrait of W. van Wetering using lithography. Here we see the formal representation of a man, likely a member of the clergy given his garb, holding a book, a symbol of knowledge and authority. This artwork exists within a very specific cultural context, where the church held considerable social and political power. In a time when roles were strictly defined by gender and class, images like this upheld the status quo, reinforcing the visibility and authority of men in positions of power. The portrait offers a window into the construction of identity in the 19th century, where symbols of status and learning were carefully curated and displayed. Consider how the solemnity of the portrait reflects the weight of societal expectations placed upon individuals in positions of influence. The portrait captures a moment in time, reflecting the complex interplay of power, identity, and representation in 19th-century society.