Portret van David Teniers (II) c. 1826 - 1852

Nicolas Maurin created this portrait of David Teniers II using lithography, a process that democratized image production in the 19th century. Teniers, a renowned Flemish painter from the 17th century, is depicted here with a contemplative gaze, wrapped in what seems to be a fur-lined coat. Maurin, working in a time of burgeoning nationalism, revives Teniers, connecting to a past idea of cultural identity. What does it mean to look back to previous eras, and to artists like Teniers, during a time of revolutionary change? The soft shading of the lithograph captures a sense of introspection, perhaps hinting at the weight of history. The choice to represent Teniers, known for his genre scenes of peasant life, also speaks volumes. It seems to ask, who do we choose to remember, and what aspects of their identity do we amplify? This portrait opens up questions of historical memory, the politics of representation, and the legacies we inherit.