Portret van J.J. de Lange Possibly 1850 - 1851

This is a portrait of J.J. de Lange, meticulously rendered by Johann Peter Berghaus through lithography. Consider the historical currents of the 19th century that shaped both artist and sitter, a time when portraiture served not just as likeness but as a declaration of social standing. Think about the gendered dimensions of representation: men were often portrayed as figures of intellect and authority. What does it mean to be seen, and who has the power to represent whom? How might this portrait serve to reinforce or perhaps subtly challenge those established norms? This image is a potent reminder of the ways in which identity is carefully constructed and presented to the world. It invites us to consider the personal narratives embedded within broader societal structures, reflecting both the dignity of the individual and the complex dynamics of cultural representation.