Portret van predikant Christiaan Meeuse 1818 - 1861

Abraham Dirk van Boven created this portrait of Reverend Christiaan Meeuse, using a technique of steel engraving. Van Boven was working during a time of significant social and religious change in the Netherlands. Reverend Meeuse, with his stern gaze and traditional attire, embodies the values of the Dutch Reformed Church. Yet, the engraving also hints at the complexities within religious identity, particularly in relation to class and intellectual pursuits. We see signifiers such as books and laurel branches, objects which traditionally symbolize wisdom and triumph. The portrait offers a glimpse into the negotiation of identity and status within the religious and intellectual circles of the time. The tension between tradition and modernity is palpable, inviting us to consider how individuals like Meeuse navigated their roles within a rapidly evolving society.