Portret van Johan Philip van der Kellen 1897

Jan Veth rendered this portrait of Johan Philip van der Kellen using etching and drypoint. The late 19th century was a period defined by rapid industrialization and evolving social structures. During this time, portraiture served not only to capture likeness but also to communicate the subject's social standing and character. The image presents us with a man of clear distinction, his attire and confident gaze speaking to a certain bourgeois respectability. It’s hard not to notice the sitter's elaborate facial hair. At this time, beards were often seen as a symbol of masculinity, wisdom, and even social rebellion against the clean-shaven norms of previous generations. However, it is worth considering how the sitter may have perceived his own identity against the backdrop of societal expectations. What pressures did he face to conform to the ideals of masculinity, or to use his social standing to affect change? The portrait becomes a site where we can reflect on the complexities of identity during a transformative era.