Portret van Erasme Louis baron Surlet de Chokier, 1830 1830 - 1835

Jacques Sturm created this portrait of Erasme Louis baron Surlet de Chokier in 1830 using lithography. Sturm captures de Chokier, who served as Regent of Belgium during a pivotal moment of national transition. The portrait is a window into the complex interplay between identity and power in the early 19th century. The image reflects de Chokier's status through his formal attire and composed demeanor, representative of the era’s aristocratic class. Yet, the historical context reveals a more nuanced narrative. De Chokier was a key figure in the Belgian Revolution. Consider how Sturm's rendering both acknowledges and perhaps subtly questions the traditional representations of power. By depicting de Chokier in a moment of national upheaval, the portrait invites us to reflect on the shifting sands of identity and leadership. Sturm shows us not just a man, but a moment of political transformation.