Portrait of Cornelia Pull (d 1809). Wife of Gerrit Jan van Houten 1790 - 1810

This delicate portrait of Cornelia Pull, wife of Gerrit Jan van Houten, was painted by Joseph Boze, likely around 1809. Executed in miniature, the artwork utilizes watercolor on ivory, a common practice for intimate portraiture at the time. The smooth surface of the ivory support allows for incredibly fine detail, seen in the delicate rendering of Cornelia’s features and the soft textures of her dress and hair. Boze carefully builds up layers of translucent paint, using the natural luminosity of the ivory to create a sense of depth and realism. The small scale speaks to the value placed on precious, portable objects during this era. The process itself reflects a society increasingly fascinated by individual likeness and status. Miniature portraits like this one served as tokens of affection, family records, and even diplomatic gifts, all of which were commodities of their time. Ultimately, understanding the materials and making of this portrait helps us to appreciate its role not only as a work of art, but also as a reflection of social values and the burgeoning consumer culture of the 19th century.