Portret van J. W. S. von Baumhauer 1835 - 1891

This is an undated portrait of J.W.S. von Baumhauer, made by Gerardus Johannes Bos, using lithography. Bos was born in the Netherlands at a time of immense social and political change. The 19th century was a time when portraiture began its slow decline as photography emerged. Nonetheless, portraiture still held value, especially for those in positions of power or influence. This portrait reflects the values of the Biedermeier period, a time of relative peace and prosperity in Northern Europe, which emphasized simplicity, domesticity and a focus on the individual. There is a stillness and reserve to this portrait, capturing what it meant to be a man in the 19th century. It projects an ideal of masculinity rooted in intellect, seriousness, and a strong sense of civic duty. This image offers a glimpse into the performance of identity and status, and an understanding of how society was structured through images.