Catharina Theresia Weber (1760/61-1847). Echtgenote van Joannes Titsingh, Amsterdam 1795 - 1815

Hendrik van Overklift painted this miniature portrait of Catharina Theresia Weber in Amsterdam, likely around the turn of the 19th century, using delicate watercolors on ivory. The choice of ivory as a ground is significant. Its smooth, reflective surface allows for luminous detail, essential for capturing the sitter’s likeness and, perhaps more importantly, her status. Note the intricate lace trim of her dress and bonnet, the delicate rendering of her jewelry. These details speak to the wealth and refinement of both the sitter and the artist who memorialized her. Miniature painting was a highly skilled craft, demanding precision and patience. The labor involved in creating such a piece underscores its value as a luxury object. In a way, the portrait itself becomes a symbol of the sitter's position in society, linking artistic skill with social class. Ultimately, this miniature reminds us that art is not just about representation, but also about the social and economic contexts in which it is made and received.