Portret van een onbekende man Possibly 1852 - 1857

Johann Peter Berghaus made this portrait of an unknown man using lithography. During the 19th century in Europe, portraiture became increasingly accessible, extending beyond the aristocracy to the burgeoning middle class. This print exemplifies the democratization of art through reproductive techniques. Berghaus, working in a period marked by significant social change, offered a means for a broader public to participate in image-making. The man's suit and bow tie, along with his carefully groomed beard, signify middle-class respectability. This portrait suggests a desire to record and perhaps elevate one's social standing within the visual culture of the time. Historical societies, genealogical records, and period newspapers can reveal the identities and social contexts of such figures, reminding us that art is deeply embedded in the social fabric of its time.