Portret van jonkheer Willem van Haren c. 1734 - 1801

Jacobus Buys created this portrait of Jonkheer Willem van Haren using pen and gray ink with brush and gray wash. Reflecting on the historical and social contexts of the 18th century, this image encapsulates the identity of the Dutch elite. The jonkheer, a nobleman, is portrayed with the symbols of his status – his powdered wig, lace collar, and most prominently, his family crest. This artwork not only showcases the individual, but also the power and lineage associated with his class. The portrait's focus on heraldry can be seen as a reflection of a society deeply invested in inherited status and social hierarchy. While Buys made many history prints, the choice to immortalize van Haren through this medium speaks volumes about the values of the time, and the way in which identity was inextricably linked to social position.