Guillaume Anne van der Brugghen (1812-91), Painter 1857

Jaroslav Cermak painted this oil on canvas portrait of Guillaume Anne van der Brugghen sometime in the mid-19th century. Looking closely, you’ll notice the smooth, almost glassy surface of the paint, built up in thin layers to create a sense of depth and realism. Consider the way Cermak has used this technique to capture the texture of van der Brugghen’s hair and beard, or the subtle folds in his dark jacket. This wasn't just about visual accuracy. The skilled application of oil paint was itself a signifier of status, a marker of both the artist’s and the sitter’s place in society. Portraiture was an important source of income for artists during this period, and the ability to render a likeness in oil paint was a highly valued skill. In a way, this painting is a product of its time, reflecting the social and economic structures that shaped the art world of the 19th century. By understanding the materials and processes involved, we can appreciate not only the artistic skill on display, but also the wider social context in which it was made.