Portret van J.G. Roosenburg 1832 - 1890

This is Sybrand Altmann's lithograph portrait of J.G. Roosenburg, currently residing in the Rijksmuseum. In the 19th century, portraiture was largely the domain of the wealthy, and often served as a display of status and respectability. Consider what it meant to have your likeness captured and circulated during this period. What social circles did Roosenburg occupy, and how did he want to be seen? There’s a sense of authority and perhaps even a touch of the aloof in his gaze, reflecting the power structures of the time. Altmann, through the lithographic process, democratized this form of representation. Looking at the intricate details of Roosenburg's clothing, one can also reflect on the politics embedded in what people chose to wear, and how this conveyed messages about their identities and affiliations. The artwork serves as a window into the cultural values of the era.