Portret van Wouterus de Nooy 1798 - 1826

Ernst Willem Jan Bagelaar etched this portrait of Wouterus de Nooy, using delicate lines to define form on a small scale. The composition centres on the subject’s head and shoulders, rendered in meticulous detail which captures both his physical likeness and, perhaps, his social standing. The etching technique allows for fine gradations of tone, evident in the modelling of the face and the texture of the clothing. Look closely at how Bagelaar uses cross-hatching to create depth and shadow, particularly in the background and on the subject’s prominent top hat. The hat, a symbol of bourgeois respectability, contrasts with the softness of de Nooy’s facial features, creating a visual tension that invites interpretation. Bagelaar's work operates within a semiotic framework, where elements like clothing and posture function as signs. The choice of etching, with its detailed and precise lines, suggests a desire for accuracy and realism. This artwork captures a moment in time but also speaks to enduring questions about representation and identity.