Portret van Jacob Nicolaas Everts 1831 - 1853

Hendrik Frederik Sartor created this print of Jacob Nicolaas Everts, sometime in the mid-19th century in the Netherlands. Everts, a General Major, is shown here in full military regalia: dress coat, epaulettes, and an array of medals. Images of military and political leaders were very popular during this time. These portraits reinforced social hierarchies and commemorated powerful individuals. Lithography like this one made images more accessible and Sartor would have been part of a growing industry that shaped public opinion through imagery. The success of artists depended on patronage and the market. So, the image doesn't challenge, but reinforces, social norms. To further understand the context of this artwork, research into the Dutch military and the lithography industry of the 19th century might prove insightful. Analyzing images like this helps us understand the intersection of art, power, and social structures.