Mansbuste in ovaal 1829 - 1845

Henricus Wilhelmus Couwenberg made this monochrome print, titled "Man's Bust in Oval", sometime during his short life in the first half of the 19th century. During this period, portraits were a common way for the Dutch middle class to assert their identity and status in a rapidly changing society. Yet, within these conventions, we see a divergence. The man's gaze is averted, his mouth is not set in a polite smile, and his hair is unkempt. This begs the question, what are the emotional implications of deviating from the norm? Consider Couwenberg's biography: he died at the age of 31. What emotional and personal elements emerge when you consider that this artist may have been grappling with his own mortality? Does the man's somewhat forlorn affect reflect the artist's own internal struggles? Ultimately, this print reflects how personal stories and societal norms intersect. It encourages us to reflect on the narratives we construct about ourselves and others.