Portret van Jan Dam Steuerwald 1825 - 1874

This is "Portret van Jan Dam Steuerwald", made by Christian Heinrich Gottlieb Steuerwald. Looking at this portrait, you are immediately drawn to the sitter’s gaze, which holds a certain intensity. We can think about the position of men in the 19th century, particularly those of a certain class and status. The portrait is meticulously rendered, presenting Jan Dam Steuerwald in a manner befitting his social standing, the details in his clothing subtly underscore his status. This artwork reflects an era where identity and social roles were heavily influenced by class, and portraits like these served not only as personal mementos but also as statements of one's place in society. It invites us to consider the interplay between personal identity and public presentation, and how both are shaped by the societal structures of the time.