Portret van de dichter Carel Godfried Withuys 1842 - 1873

Dirk Jurriaan Sluyter made this portrait of Carel Godfried Withuys using lithography, a printing technique that allows for detailed and reproducible images. This print gives us a window into the cultural landscape of the Netherlands, likely in the mid-19th century. The image presents us with a formal portrait, an institutionalized way of representing individuals of note. It is a typical depiction of a poet, a public intellectual. His clothing and demeanor speak to a certain social standing and perhaps a conservative outlook, reflecting the values of the Dutch middle class at that time. Lithography itself played a role in disseminating images and ideas, contributing to a broader public sphere. To fully appreciate the meaning of this portrait, we can consult archives, literary societies' records, and publications from that time. These sources can help us understand the role of poets and intellectuals in Dutch society. The image is a cultural artifact, shaped by the social and institutional forces of its time.