Portret van Jan Hendrik Breijer 1847 - 1865

Willem Troost made this portrait of Jan Hendrik Breijer in the Netherlands, most likely in the mid-19th century. It's rendered with lithography, a printmaking technique that allowed for relatively inexpensive reproductions of images. Consider the social function of portraiture at this time. It was no longer the exclusive domain of the aristocracy but had become accessible to the emerging middle class. This image, with its formal composition and focus on the sitter's respectability, speaks to the values of that class: sobriety, diligence, and civic engagement. The subject's attire and demeanor signify his status and role within Dutch society. But beyond the surface, what can we know of the sitter? To truly understand this image, we need to delve into the archives, consult genealogical records, and explore local histories. Only then can we fully appreciate the complex interplay between individual identity and social context.