Portret van R.P.J. Tutein Nolthenius 1874 - 1925

Jan Veth made this pencil drawing, titled "Portret van R.P.J. Tutein Nolthenius," at an unknown date. Veth was a leading figure in the Dutch revival of portraiture, and this drawing exemplifies his ability to capture the intellectual essence of his sitters. The drawing’s subject, Nolthenius, was a prominent figure in Dutch society, likely from the upper classes given the conventions of portraiture at the time. Veth’s style here is consistent with the aesthetic movements of the time in the Netherlands, which saw a resurgence in interest in Dutch Golden Age art and a rejection of international artistic trends. To truly understand the significance of this drawing, we need to look into Dutch cultural history: the social status of the sitter, the artistic networks of the time, and the prevailing tastes among art patrons. By researching these factors, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the drawing's place within the context of Dutch society.