Silhouetportret van J.C. Eijkman 1809 - 1848

Pieter Barbiers IV made this silhouette portrait of J.C. Eijkman in the Netherlands sometime in the first half of the 19th century. This small paper cutout gives us a glimpse into the social conventions of portraiture at the time. Silhouette portraits were a popular, affordable alternative to painted portraits, reflecting a growing middle class eager to participate in cultural trends. The precision of the cut, the subject's attire, and even the calligraphic inscription below the image, all speak to a desire for clarity, order, and social status. This aesthetic aligns with the Biedermeier movement, which favored simplicity and realism in response to the preceding Napoleonic era. Understanding this portrait requires us to look beyond the individual depicted. By researching the social history of portraiture, the rise of the middle class, and the artistic movements of the time, we can better grasp the cultural values that shaped its creation and reception. The study of such archives reveals art's deep connection to its social and institutional context.