Portret van Carel Gerard Hultman 1794 - 1800

This small engraving is a portrait of Carel Gerard Hultman, made by François Gonord sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. It embodies the visual language of the Enlightenment, where rationalism and order were highly prized. The portrait's circular frame, the sitter's neatly styled hair, and his composed demeanor all suggest a world governed by reason and restraint. But, engravings like this also reflect a specific social context. They were relatively affordable and could be widely distributed. This made them a powerful tool for shaping public opinion and solidifying the status of prominent individuals. To fully understand this image, we might delve into the history of portraiture, printmaking, and the social networks of the Dutch elite during this period. What role did Hultman play in society, and how did this portrait contribute to his public image? These are the kinds of questions that social historians ask when approaching a work of art.