Dr. C. Hofstede de Groot 

Max Liebermann made this etching of Dr. C. Hofstede de Groot, a fellow art historian, sometime in the early 20th century. In its frank and unidealized depiction, the portrait reflects a cultural shift towards realism and away from romanticized portrayals of the elite. Liebermann was a leading figure in German Impressionism, an art movement that challenged the academic traditions of the time. Here he uses etching—a printmaking technique that relies on the corrosive power of acid—to create an informal and intimate image. The sketchy lines and unfinished quality suggest a sense of immediacy, as if capturing a fleeting moment. To fully appreciate this work, we need to understand the institutions and social dynamics that shaped it. Art historical sources, biographical accounts, and exhibition catalogues all shed light on the context in which Liebermann and Hofstede de Groot operated, helping us understand how they challenged, or reinforced, the cultural norms of their time.