Portret van B. H. J. Koets Possibly 1859

Johann Peter Berghaus created this print, Portret van B. H. J. Koets, using lithography. The portrait exudes a somber formality through its monochrome palette and meticulous detail. Berghaus masterfully uses line and shadow to sculpt the figure of Koets. The textures of his coat and hair are strikingly realistic. Consider how this era saw the rise of photography, challenging traditional portraiture. Lithography, as a more accessible medium, democratized image-making. Berghaus’s choice of lithography invites us to consider the changing landscape of art production and its accessibility to a wider audience. The portrait captures not only the likeness of an individual, but also reflects broader societal shifts in representation and identity. The subdued tones and precise lines invite reflection on how representation evolves with technology and continues to shape our perceptions of self and society.