Portret van een onbekende man Possibly 1862 - 1866

Johann Peter Berghaus made this portrait of an unknown man with graphite on paper in the nineteenth century. The man’s identity might be unknown, but his status is implied through dress. His uniform, complete with what seems to be a ceremonial sword, suggests military or civic authority. Considering the time and place – Europe in the 1800s – the portrait speaks to the social structure of the period and the institutions of power. The artist’s skill in capturing the details of the uniform and the man's posture underscores the importance of social roles and status during this era. To understand this artwork better, we might research military uniforms of the time, or compare similar portraits. What does it mean to create a portrait of someone in uniform? The act of preserving this man's image serves as a historical document, reflecting the values and hierarchies of his society.