Portret van Joseph Hartogensis 1841 - 1857

This is Johan Daniël Koelman’s pencil drawing, “Portrait of Joseph Hartogensis.” The image provides an intimate glimpse into Dutch society of the mid-19th century, an era marked by significant shifts in social structures, cultural norms and artistic expression. Koelman, who died young at only 25, lived at a time of increasing industrialization and urbanization. The drawing may have been a commissioned work, reflecting the growing importance of individual portraiture among the middle classes. By examining institutional records, we could try to discover the relationship between the artist and the sitter, perhaps shedding light on the social dynamics at play. The level of detail in the face, set against a sketchy background, creates an interesting tension, inviting us to consider the psychological state of the subject. As art historians, our role is to uncover the layers of meaning embedded within such works, to understand the social and institutional contexts that shaped their creation and reception.