Portret van Johan Conrad Greive 1855 - 1895

Johannes Walter created this portrait of Johan Conrad Greive using graphite and paper. Though we cannot be certain of its exact date, we can see it was made during a period of significant social change, reflecting the rise of the middle class and an increased interest in individual identity. Walter, like many artists of his time, navigated a world where traditional artistic norms were being questioned, and new forms of expression were emerging. This portrait of Greive captures the sitter’s bourgeois identity, solidified by his neatly trimmed beard and the tailored cut of his suit. Yet, there is also an element of vulnerability. Walter’s rendering of the face makes Greive’s gaze gentle and engaging, as if inviting the viewer to see beyond the social construct of his class. The drawing reflects a moment in time when societal roles were both celebrated and scrutinized, where the desire to portray individual character began to overshadow the depiction of status.