Portret van J.F. van Son 1852

Abraham Uytenbogaart made this lithograph, a portrait of J.F. van Son, in the Netherlands sometime in the mid-19th century. It gives us a fascinating glimpse into the social values of the time. Van Son is depicted as a man of learning and status. He is formally dressed, seated, and holding what appears to be a book. The subtle inclusion of books in the background reinforces this image of intellect and culture, attributes highly valued by the Dutch middle class. Lithography itself was a relatively new technology at the time, allowing for the wider distribution of images and contributing to the construction of a shared visual culture. Historical societies and archives might provide further insight into van Son's life and his position within Dutch society. What role did individuals like van Son play in shaping the cultural and political landscape of the Netherlands during this period of modernization and nation-building?