Gezicht in profiel naar links 1717 - 1748

Abraham de Haan II created this drawing, “Gezicht in profiel naar links”, sometime in the first half of the 18th century. During this time, European society was structured by rigid class hierarchies, and the Dutch Republic, while prosperous, was also deeply involved in colonial activities, including the slave trade. De Haan’s portraits often reflect the social norms of his time, where images of individuals were used to convey status and identity, yet this small sketch seems more intimate, as if the artist was more concerned with capturing the sitter’s essence than projecting a persona. The choice to portray the subject in profile adds an emotional complexity, inviting us to contemplate what is revealed and concealed about this person's character. Consider how the details of the sitter's face might reflect broader narratives of identity, hinting at the unspoken stories of individuals living in a society marked by both opportunity and inequality. This small portrait captures a moment of human presence that resonates beyond its historical context.