Silhouetportret van Evert Pijnappel van Voorthuijsen 1809 - 1848

Pieter Barbiers IV rendered this silhouette portrait of Evert Pijnappel van Voorthuijsen in the Netherlands, sometime in the first half of the 19th century. Silhouettes like this one were a popular and affordable alternative to painted portraits at the time, reflecting the values of a rising middle class. The clean, stark lines emphasize the sitter’s profile, and the cut-paper technique speaks to a broader democratization of art production. This image offers a snapshot of Dutch society, with its emphasis on commerce and the individual. The subject’s attire and hairstyle reflect bourgeois values of the time. Archival records from institutions such as the Rijksmuseum help us understand the artistic conventions and social dynamics of the time. Through these research resources, we can appreciate how this silhouette captures a moment in Dutch history.