Portret van een onbekende man Possibly 1854 - 1859

Johann Peter Berghaus made this portrait of an unknown man, using lithography, in the Netherlands sometime in the mid-19th century. Berghaus worked for the local Leiden University, where he probably made most of his portraits. But what are the social codes that give this image its meaning? The man's clothing, while simple, signifies his social standing. His jacket, waistcoat, and bow-tie mark him out as a member of the middle class, one that would have had access to higher education and social circles. But what is particularly striking is the man's pose. Rather than portraying him in an active role, Berghaus captures him in a moment of quiet contemplation, with his hand resting on a book. This pose reflects the values of the Dutch middle class, emphasizing intellect and introspection. Art historians can look at university archives and social records to determine the identity of the sitter. This helps us place the image in its institutional and social context. The meaning of art is contingent on history.