Silhouetportret van Bernard ter Haar 1809 - 1848

This is a silhouette portrait of Bernard ter Haar, made by Pieter Barbiers IV. Here, we see a profile—a form that echoes ancient coins and cameos, immortalizing the sitter in a stark, simple form. Notice the prominent star on Bernard ter Haar’s chest. Such emblems of honor are laden with aspirations of glory and recognition. We might recall similar displays of status in Renaissance portraits, where coats of arms and symbols of office served to elevate the subject. This symbol speaks to a deep-seated human desire for acknowledgement and a place within a structured hierarchy. The profile view itself has a curious psychological effect; it conceals as much as it reveals, inviting speculation about the sitter's hidden depths. This play of visibility and concealment taps into our innate curiosity and desire to understand the inner lives of others. The silhouette revives across centuries, each time adapting, yet always retaining a link to its ancestral forms and the powerful emotions they evoke.