Portret van J.J. Volkhemer 1830 - 1846

Curator: Here we have a print identified as "Portret van J.J. Volkhemer." Dating from sometime between 1830 and 1846, the artwork is most likely a lithograph or an early form of printed reproduction. Editor: It has an official feel, almost stern. The precision of the lines suggests an emphasis on representation— conveying authority. Is he a military man, judging by the uniform and medals? Curator: Yes, the subject, Volkhemer, appears to be a military figure. His meticulous attire certainly alludes to status. What interests me most is the intersection of portraiture with the emerging printmaking industry of the period, think about what public needs it would fulfill! Editor: Good point, there’s something to be said about accessibility; such production meant that an image like this could be distributed and consumed beyond an elite circle, offering perhaps, a more democratic depiction of power, made by lesser known artisan I guess? I wonder about the material used to make the drawing; the artist achieves remarkable detail. Curator: I see your point! I would love to dive into printmaking guilds during the period this piece was produced. I can certainly see an opportunity to explore themes of craft, labor and the rise of industrial reproduction... Also the portrait in itself could provide very interesting info about 19th-century societal values and representation. Editor: Well, for me the use of lithography here, shows a transition period of materiality. Before photographs but a bit more repeatable than a classical painting. A copy sold in a batch. The magic of multiplying J.J. Volkhemer. Curator: So in short, beyond being a static portrayal of an individual, it acts as an index of a moment in time, speaking volumes about its socio-economic and political context through its means of production and display of persona. Editor: Yes, definitely. It would be cool to research on materials like this one were actually distributed in that historical context.