Portret van de medicus Gozewijn Jan Loncq 1863

This is Edouard Taurel's portrait of Gozewijn Jan Loncq, a Dutch physician, made with etching. This portrait provides us with a glimpse into the world of 19th-century Dutch society. The sitter's formal attire and the artist's attention to detail suggest the importance of status and decorum in that era. The etching technique itself, with its precise lines and tonal variations, speaks to the values of precision and craftsmanship that were highly esteemed in the art world at the time. It's likely that Loncq was a respected figure in his community, and this portrait may have been commissioned to commemorate his achievements. The Rijksmuseum, as an institution, plays a role in preserving and presenting this artwork, thereby shaping our understanding of Dutch history and culture. By examining archival records, personal letters, and other historical documents, we can gain a deeper understanding of Loncq's life and the world in which he lived, and the social function of art in 19th Century Netherlands.