Portret van Willem Jan d'Ablaing van Giessenburg 1860 - 1892

This monochrome portrait of Willem Jan d'Ablaing van Giessenburg was made by an anonymous artist and it is undated. It offers a glimpse into the visual codes of status and power in the Netherlands. Giessenburg, identified as 'Baron' and 'Oud-raad adviseur bij het Ministerie van Justitie' held a position of influence within the Ministry of Justice. Consider the cultural associations of formal portraiture during this era. How did the conventions of portraiture serve to reinforce social hierarchies and project an image of authority? We might ask, was this image commissioned, and if so, for what purpose? By examining genealogical records, historical archives, and institutional documents, we can gain insight into the social, political, and economic factors that shaped the production and reception of this portrait, and thus the role played by men such as Giessenburg in the shaping of Dutch Society.