Portret van Adriaan van Vredenburch 1823 - 1880

This is Pieter Gerardus Bernhard’s portrait of Adriaan van Vredenburch, a lithograph that captures a man of notable presence and status. Bernhard, working in the 19th century, likely looked to the past for a vision of Dutch identity, referencing the Golden Age when the Netherlands was a major power. Adriaan’s identity as a man of the Dutch upper class is reinforced by his confident gaze and the opulent details of his attire. The elaborate lace collar, the cut of his cloak, and even his carefully groomed mustache all speak to a life of privilege. It is interesting to think about how artists like Bernhard, during a period of national self-reflection, turned to portraiture to emphasize particular ideals and values. This portrait is not merely an image of an individual but a reflection of societal values, capturing a time when personal identity was inextricably linked to social standing.