Portret van Alexander Oltmans 1834 - 1854

Willem Frederik Wehmeyer created this portrait of Alexander Oltmans using engraving techniques. Though the exact date of its creation is unknown, it resonates with the nineteenth-century Dutch society where identity and status were closely tied to representation. The portrait, with its detailed rendering of Oltmans' features and attire, speaks to the cultural emphasis on appearances and the desire to project a certain image. The sharp lines and shading of the engraving emphasize his strong features and the texture of his clothing, highlighting his social standing and perhaps alluding to his personal story. Portraits like these were not just about capturing a likeness; they were about constructing and communicating identity within a specific cultural framework, reflecting societal values and expectations of the time.