Portrait of Sara de Haan, Widow of the Amsterdam Underwriter Cornelis Hartsen 1820 - 1832

Jan Willem Pieneman painted this oil on canvas portrait of Sara de Haan in the 19th century. Looking closely at the materiality, the rich, dark velvet of Sara’s dress absorbs light, conveying a sense of gravity and wealth. The lace trim and cap, likely handmade, speak to the labor and skill involved in creating such delicate adornments. Consider the pearl necklace – each bead perfectly round, strung with care. The very support on which this image is rendered, the canvas, had to be carefully prepared. Each of these materials would have been meticulously sourced through trade, and signal the affluence of Sara’s background, and that of her late husband, who was an underwriter, or insurance provider. Pieneman’s artistry lies not only in his ability to capture Sara’s likeness, but also in his skillful depiction of these textiles and materials. In paying close attention to these material qualities, we gain a deeper appreciation of Sara's status, and the complex network of labor and trade that underpinned it.