Portretbuste van Ernst Willem Jan Bagelaar 1798 - 1837

This is a self-portrait bust by Ernst Willem Jan Bagelaar. It was made sometime around the late 18th or early 19th century with graphite on paper. Bagelaar lived through the Batavian Revolution and the Napoleonic era, times that fostered new ideas about citizenship and self-representation. As an artist and military man, Bagelaar occupied a unique position in society. This self-portrait is more than just an image; it is a declaration of identity. Notice how the technique emphasizes the subject's gaze, drawing us into an intimate encounter with the artist's persona. With soft lines, he captures a sense of enlightened masculinity. It is quiet and thoughtful, suggesting a reflection on the self amidst the tumultuous times. The artwork invites us to consider the roles we play in society and how we choose to represent ourselves. It is a delicate reminder of the individual within the sweep of history.