Portret van Willem Hendrik Johan van Kempen c. 1886 - 1890

Max Büttinghausen made this portrait of Willem Hendrik Johan van Kempen, using photography, a relatively new medium for portraiture at the time. This photograph is a window into the social conventions of the late 19th century in the Netherlands. Consider the context: photography democratized portraiture, making it accessible beyond the wealthy elite. But it also became a tool for constructing and reinforcing social status. Van Kempen’s attire, his carefully groomed mustache, and the formal composition all speak to a desire to project a certain image. The Rijksmuseum, as an institution, plays a role here too. By collecting and displaying such portraits, it elevates individual likenesses to the level of cultural artifacts, worthy of study and preservation. Understanding this image fully requires delving into Dutch social history, exploring the values and aspirations of the middle class during this period, and examining the evolving role of photography in shaping public perception.