Portret van Petrus Jacobus Goetghebuur 1841 - 1842

This undated portrait of Petrus Jacobus Goetghebuur was made anonymously with etching. It’s a simple but effective way of presenting the sitter to a wide audience. Although modest in scale, the portrait provides a window into the social conventions of its time, likely the 19th century in the Netherlands. The sitter’s attire, a formal jacket and tie, suggests a man of some social standing. It reflects the values and norms of bourgeois society. The work, devoid of overt symbolism or political messaging, subtly upholds the existing social structures. We can gain insights into the artistic and cultural landscape of the time by exploring archives and publications. Understanding the circumstances of its creation is crucial, as its meaning is rooted in its socio-political context.