Portret van Anna Susanna van der Chijs-Bagelaar 1798 - 1837

This portrait of Anna Susanna van der Chijs-Bagelaar, was made by Ernst Willem Jan Bagelaar. The monochrome engraving presents a neoclassical profile, contained within a perfect oval; its tight composition evokes feelings of constraint. Notice how the sitter's gaze is unwavering, which emphasizes the linear precision of her features and the deliberate detail of her hair. This approach to portraiture reflects the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and order, where even personal representation adheres to structured forms. The choice of engraving, with its stark contrasts, invites us to consider the semiotic elements at play. The formal constraints mirror the social expectations of the time. However, the artist is not merely a recorder; he actively engages with, and perhaps subtly questions, these established codes. This creates a space for the artwork to challenge fixed meanings and offer new ways of perceiving identity within societal structures.