Portret van tweede stuurman Van Duren c. 1848 - 1854

Curator: This portrait drawing, rendered in pencil on toned paper, is titled "Portret van tweede stuurman Van Duren," or "Portrait of Second Mate Van Duren," believed to have been created between 1848 and 1854 by Christian Heinrich Gottlieb Steuerwald. Editor: It has such an immediacy, a feeling of being quickly captured. The shading gives him depth, but it’s also quite stark, particularly around the face. I am drawn to his eyes. There's an air of thoughtful contemplation or maybe even melancholy? Curator: Portraits such as this offer us valuable glimpses into the hierarchy of naval society during that era. Steuerwald's skill lay in portraying individuals within a specific social context, capturing the visual markers of status. The portrait itself becomes a document, reflecting the sitter’s position within a structured environment. Editor: His gaze definitely speaks volumes about this. It evokes feelings tied to his profession—duty, resilience, perhaps even a longing for home? The meticulous depiction of his uniform—his hat in particular—isn't just detail. It seems significant, emphasizing his role. Curator: Absolutely. And that's how portraiture often worked, it was there to represent an image or expectation of status within a specific class. Consider the tradition of maritime portraiture during this time. This artistic tradition played an important role in defining naval identity and consolidating the image of a nation. Editor: The artist did a good job conveying what Second Mate Van Duren represents. He is a part of something larger, yet remains an individual. There's a universality to the image—themes of service, the sea, and even loneliness come to mind. Curator: Yes, art engages the public sphere when it provokes individual emotions while speaking to historical dynamics of nation, class, and more. Editor: Indeed. It’s interesting how a simple sketch can trigger contemplation. Thank you for bringing more light into this maritime world of Second Mate Van Duren, that, without this drawing, may have otherwise gone unnoticed.