Portret van Jan Willem Pieneman 1856

Carel Christiaan Antony Last created this portrait of Jan Willem Pieneman using lithography. This image reflects the 19th century’s fascination with portraiture, as it became a means of immortalizing individuals and asserting social status. Pieneman, himself a painter, is depicted with the accoutrements of bourgeois respectability: a neatly buttoned coat, a carefully knotted cravat, and an elegant chair. Yet, this portrait also raises questions about representation and identity. The artist subtly captures Pieneman's gaze, inviting viewers to contemplate the sitter's inner thoughts and emotions. In the 19th century, portraiture was often a tool for constructing and reinforcing societal norms. This image offers a glimpse into the world of artistic and intellectual circles, and underscores the importance of representation in shaping individual and collective identities.