Portret van Jan Jacob Antonie Goeverneur 1848 - 1889

Gerrit Jan Thieme created this lithograph print of Jan Jacob Antonie Goeverneur in the 19th century. This work invites us to consider the layers of identity and representation inherent in portraiture during a time of significant social change. Here we see Goeverneur, a man of obvious stature, rendered with meticulous detail. Thieme’s choice of lithography, a process that allows for nuanced gradations of tone, speaks to a desire to capture not just likeness, but also character. But whose character? Is it Goeverneur’s own, or the image that he wishes to project? How much is Thieme complicit in shaping this image? The 19th century was a time of evolving notions of masculinity and class, and portraiture played a crucial role in defining these ideals. As we consider this image, let’s reflect on the power dynamics at play. Consider the emotional and personal negotiations that shape our perceptions of one another, and the lasting impact of these visual legacies.