Portret van Cornelis Evertsen 1858 - 1862

Frederik Hendrik Weissenbruch made this print of Cornelis Evertsen, a Dutch admiral, at an unknown date. It resides here in the Rijksmuseum. Prints like this played a crucial role in shaping public perception of historical figures in 19th-century Netherlands. Weissenbruch, working within the conventions of portraiture, presents Evertsen as a figure of authority and maritime prowess. Note how the naval battle in the background, though small, speaks to the Admiral's successful military career. The artist uses the visual language of heroism and leadership to construct a powerful image that would have resonated with the nationalist sentiments prevalent at the time. Understanding this image requires us to consider the role of institutions like the Rijksmuseum in shaping national identity and collective memory. By researching period sources – newspapers, biographies, and official records – we can better grasp the social and political forces that shaped both the production and reception of this print.