Portret van een onbekende man 1862

Joseph Schubert made this portrait of an unknown man using lithography, likely sometime in the mid-19th century. The man’s stern gaze, combined with his military uniform and sword, speak to the rise of nationalism and militarism in Europe during this period. Lithography allowed for the mass production of images, making art more accessible to a wider audience. This portrait reflects the growing importance of the military in society. The man’s uniform is meticulously detailed, suggesting a desire to convey authority and status. The sword, a traditional symbol of power, reinforces this message. It prompts us to ask: What role did the military play in shaping national identity during this period? Was this portrait commissioned as a form of propaganda? To fully understand this artwork, we need to delve deeper into the social and political history of 19th-century Europe. By examining military records, newspapers, and other primary sources, we can gain a better understanding of the man in the portrait and the world he inhabited.