Portret van Charles Howard Hodges 1841

Coenraad Hamburger made this portrait of Charles Howard Hodges in 1841. It’s a pencil drawing depicting the sitter from the chest up. Hodges, a painter himself, looks directly at us. Made in the Netherlands, this drawing speaks to the rise of portraiture as a way for individuals to assert their presence and status in society. By the 19th century, art academies were well established, standardizing artistic training and creating a market for professional artists. Hamburger, trained in this system, would have understood the value of portraiture in establishing social standing. The rise of the middle class also played a significant role. As more people gained wealth and influence, they sought ways to signal their status, and portraiture became a popular choice. Further research into the social networks of both Hamburger and Hodges might reveal more about the patronage and artistic circles of the time, giving us a fuller picture of the social conditions that shaped this portrait.