Silhouetportret van W.F. Stramrood 1848 - 1862

Pieter Barbiers IV rendered this silhouette portrait of W.F. Stramrood in ink on paper sometime in the first half of the 19th century. Silhouettes were a popular and accessible form of portraiture during this period, offering a relatively inexpensive way to capture a person's likeness. This work reflects the identities and social structures of the time, highlighting the prominence of men within the professional sphere as only men were able to hold such positions. The detailed rendering of Stramrood's attire—his suit, waistcoat, and bow tie—speaks to his status as a member of the bourgeoisie. What does it mean to flatten an identity, to know someone only by their outline? While this work offers a glimpse into the past, it also prompts us to reflect on the complexities of identity and representation across time.