Portret van Jan Oomkens 1859

Here we see Willem Bastiaan van Wouw’s lithograph of Jan Oomkens. Though the date of its creation is unknown, we can situate it within the 19th century Netherlands; a period of significant social and political change following the Napoleonic era. This portrait is not just an image of an individual, but also a reflection of societal values and the construction of identity. Oomkens is depicted in a way that emphasizes his status and intellect. This representation is very much in line with the conventions of bourgeois portraiture of the time. Yet, we can ask ourselves if it is a true likeness or a projection of how Oomkens, or society, wished to be seen. The lithograph invites us to think about representation, the role of the artist, and the cultural values that shape how we perceive ourselves and others. What does it mean to have one’s portrait made, and how does this act reflect our desires, anxieties, and aspirations?