Portret van Matthijs Siegenbeek Possibly 1847

Johann Peter Berghaus made this portrait of Matthijs Siegenbeek in the Netherlands in the mid-19th century. The work captures Siegenbeek in formal attire, complete with an honorific medal, suggesting his prominent status within Dutch society. Berghaus’s piece offers a glimpse into the cultural values of the Netherlands during this period. The detailed rendering of Siegenbeek’s clothing and the inclusion of the medal highlight the importance of social rank and achievement. The portrait can be interpreted as a commentary on the values of the Dutch middle class at that time. It subtly reinforces the status quo by celebrating individual success within established social hierarchies. To fully appreciate the portrait’s nuances, we need to consider the social and institutional context of 19th-century Netherlands, delving into archival materials such as period newspapers, biographical information on both Berghaus and Siegenbeek and exhibition records to uncover its historical significance.