Portret van Pieter Herbert van Lawick van Pabst 1832 - 1873

Wilhelmus Cornelis Chimaer van Oudendorp made this portrait of Pieter Herbert van Lawick van Pabst sometime in the mid-19th century. The portrait, rendered in lithography, offers a glimpse into the values and social structures of the Netherlands during this period. The subject's formal attire, including his jacket and the medal pinned to his chest, speaks to his status and position within society. In the 19th century, portraiture served as a powerful tool for individuals to assert their social standing, political affiliation, and personal identity. The institutions of the Dutch state, like many others, shaped the production and reception of such imagery, often reinforcing existing social hierarchies. To fully understand this portrait, we can research Dutch society, class structures, and political movements of the time. By examining sources like newspapers, political pamphlets, and institutional records, the historian can situate this portrait within its complex historical context.