Portret van Lambert Charles c. 1837 - 1840

This is a portrait of Lambert Charles made by N.M. Schild. Looking at this portrait, it's hard not to consider the social rituals surrounding the making and viewing of images in 19th century Netherlands. Portraits were, of course, commissioned and displayed as markers of social status and individual character. But they also reflect changing ideas about what was considered important about a person. In this image, Lambert Charles is portrayed with a strong jawline and a composed gaze. His elaborate ruff indicates the wealth of the sitter, while the formal composition demonstrates the control and authority he has. As historians, we look at portraits as a window into the values of a particular time and place. By exploring archives, biographies, and other historical documents, we can begin to understand the complex interplay between individual identity and the broader social forces that shaped people's lives.