Portret van Isaäc Johannes Dermout 1822 - 1863

Isaac Cornelis Elink Sterk made this portrait of Isaäc Johannes Dermout using lithography. Lithography, as a printing process, allowed for the wider distribution of images and consequently, ideas, in 19th-century Netherlands. Note the sitter's attire and decorations. Dermout was not only a preacher but also an officer in the Order of the Netherlands Lion, indicated by the medal prominently displayed. The portrait reflects the values of the time, where religious and civic duties were intertwined. It speaks to the social structure of the Netherlands, where individuals often held multiple roles within their communities. By examining period documents, sermons, and community records, we gain a better understanding of the social and institutional contexts that shaped both the sitter and the artist. This is a valuable reminder that art is deeply embedded in the cultural and social conditions of its time.