Portret van een onbekende man 1856

Johan Hendrik Hoffmeister's 1856 "Portret van een onbekende man" is a striking example of portraiture in the mid-19th century. The engraving, measuring 385 mm by 290 mm, depicts an unknown man dressed in a formal garment, likely a clergyman, captured in a lifelike manner. The detailed rendering of the sitter's features, including the clothing, suggests the artist's skillful use of engraving techniques to convey a sense of realism and individuality. The work, although anonymous in subject, exemplifies the artistic trends of the era, highlighting the increasing popularity of portraiture within Dutch art.