Portret van de beeldhouwer Johannes Antonius van der Ven 1849 - 1892

This portrait of the sculptor Johannes Antonius van der Ven was made by Martinus Johannes Cornelis Weegenaar in the Netherlands, though we don't have the exact date. Likely made during the latter half of the 19th century, this print offers us insight into the institutional context of art during this period. As photography was in its infancy, printed portraits like these held a specific cultural value. They were more permanent than painted portraits, and more widely available. Note how van der Ven is formally depicted in a suit and tie. The formality of this imagery would have underscored the importance of this individual within the local art scene. The work highlights how the institutions of art and portraiture reflect and solidify social hierarchies. To truly understand the work, we might want to delve into genealogical records, art exhibition catalogues, and local newspapers. These kinds of resources can shed light on the role and status of van der Ven within Dutch society.