Pieter de Riemer (1769-1831), professor in de ontleed- en verloskunde, consulent chirurgijn van koning Willem I 1800 - 1831

Johannes Hari painted this portrait miniature of Pieter de Riemer, a prominent professor and surgeon, in the early 19th century. Hari’s delicate brushstrokes capture de Riemer’s likeness, but also reflect the societal values of the Dutch Golden Age, where civic identity and professional status were paramount. De Riemer's position as a professor and surgeon to King Willem I speaks volumes about his social standing. The portrait goes beyond mere representation; it encapsulates the power dynamics of the time, emphasizing the subject’s achievements and integration into the ruling class. Consider how the conventions of portraiture are used here to reinforce notions of masculinity and authority. The formal attire, the direct gaze, the subtle suggestion of status – all contribute to a narrative of success and respectability, reflecting the complex interplay between individual identity and social expectations. This small painting thus opens up bigger questions about who gets remembered and how.