Portret van Frederik Kaiser Possibly 1855

Johann Peter Berghaus created this portrait of Frederik Kaiser using lithography, a process that democratized image-making in the 19th century. The clean lines and detailed shading provide a vivid snapshot of Kaiser, a man of stature in his time. Considered within the socio-political landscape of the Netherlands, this portrait reflects the values of the burgeoning middle class and the importance of individual achievement. Kaiser’s attire, the trappings of his professional life, and the crisp, clean aesthetic of the lithograph all speak to a desire for respectability and social mobility. Berghaus doesn’t just capture Kaiser’s likeness; he encapsulates the aspirations and values of a society in transition. The inscription at the bottom, a dedication from his students, adds an emotional layer, highlighting the human connections underpinning societal structures. The lithograph serves not only as a personal memento, but also as a public declaration of the values that Kaiser embodied.