Portret van Willem Moll 1851

This is Leonard de Koningh's portrait of Willem Moll, made in the 19th century, rendered with engraving. It offers a glimpse into the visual culture that shaped the identities of prominent figures during a period of significant social and political transformation. Moll, a man of the cloth, is depicted with the somber garb of his office, which situates him within the religious and social structures of the Netherlands at the time. This image reflects not just individual likeness but also the construction of identity through social role. The portrait makes visible the connections between religious identity, social standing, and the modes of representation available during this era. Ultimately, this portrait is more than a rendering of a face; it is a historical artifact, which embodies the complex interplay between individual identity, social expectation, and cultural representation.