Portret van dr. Jacob Christiaan Muller en profil c. 1884

This is Willem Witsen's "Portret van dr. Jacob Christiaan Muller en profil", a work currently held in the Rijksmuseum. Witsen was a key figure in the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, which sought to capture the fleeting moments of everyday life in the Netherlands. Considering this portrait, we might ask what exactly is being represented. Is it simply an attempt to immortalize the sitter, or is it more about conveying a particular image of the sitter? During the late 19th century, the rise of the bourgeoisie led to new forms of portraiture that emphasized individuality and social standing. The composition and style are understated, reflecting a growing middle-class desire for representations of doctors as a sign of success. To fully appreciate Witsen's work, we need to investigate the social and cultural history of the Netherlands during this period. Art historical resources, such as archives and period publications, can shed light on the cultural meanings of the imagery used in the artwork.