Portret van A. van der Leeuw Possibly 1855 - 1859

Curator: The Rijksmuseum houses a striking print, "Portret van A. van der Leeuw," thought to have been made between 1855 and 1859 by Johann Peter Berghaus. Editor: There’s a formality to it, isn't there? He looks rather reserved. Almost like a daguerreotype trying to be more than it is. Curator: Interesting, you say that. It's crafted with graphite in a realistic style. One can almost feel the weight and texture of his coat and the smooth paper on which Berghaus chose to portray him. Think of the societal value placed on having one's likeness reproduced during this time. It wasn’t as simple as snapping a photo. Editor: True. And that speaks to its function as a symbol of status. Look at the materials used to reproduce this, and the skill needed, right? These details tell us something important about printmaking as a process in mid-19th century. But does it achieve anything beyond a competent likeness? Curator: I see a negotiation between artistic expression and societal expectations. It reminds us that portraiture had a vital public role. Berghaus needed to satisfy his patron but also wanted to show his technical skills. It's also a lasting cultural document: someone who felt it was important to represent themself. Editor: A document that makes me wonder who controlled the means of this visual production, and who benefitted the most from its consumption? We see van der Leeuw, the clear patron, but what of Berghaus' compensation, status, or his creative fulfillment in this piece? Curator: Fair point. His access to materials, the commission itself... These factors shaped both the making and reception of this print. Editor: Indeed. Examining the image in the light of its material processes gives us insight into the very making of the mid-19th-century Dutch world. Curator: Yes, a snapshot, if you will, into how portraiture acted in its cultural landscape. A print like this is never "just" a portrait. Editor: Exactly. So much to consider. Curator: Absolutely.