Silhouetportret van Henri Theodore Roskes 1808 - 1844

This silhouette portrait of Henri Theodore Roskes was crafted by Carl Cristiaan Fuchs in the early 19th century, using a printmaking technique. Look closely, and you’ll see the texture and tone that gives the piece depth. The dense black ink of the silhouette contrasts with the crisp white paper, giving the portrait a graphic quality. This wasn’t just a quick sketch; it was made by carefully cutting a shape, and likely etched into a metal plate – a labour-intensive method allowing for multiple impressions. Silhouettes like this were a popular, relatively affordable way to have your likeness captured, a tangible marker of status in a rapidly industrializing society. The artist wasn’s just making art; he was participating in a burgeoning market for personal keepsakes. This simple portrait embodies a complex interplay of craft, commerce, and social identity. It challenges us to look beyond the surface and consider the material processes and cultural context that give an artwork its full meaning.