Silhouetportret van Hendrik Stephanus van Son 1782 - 1799

This silhouette portrait of Hendrik Stephanus van Son was made in 1782 by an anonymous artist. The work presents us with a striking contrast: a stark, black silhouette against a textured, off-white paper, densely covered with handwritten script in French. The silhouette itself, a profile of a man with a ponytail, is sharply defined, almost aggressive in its flatness. This simple form is juxtaposed with the complexity of the surrounding text, which seems to invade and define the space around the figure, potentially reflecting the historical context. The text, excerpts from a philosophical dictionary, engages with the concept of friendship. Semiotically, this introduces a contrasting element as if the artist is questioning or reflecting on Van Son’s character. The stark silhouette and the philosophical musings suggest a deeper exploration of identity and relationship within the rigid structures of society.