Portret van Ferdinand Bol 1842

Coenraad Hamburger created this portrait of Ferdinand Bol using graphite on paper in 1842. During the 19th century, portraiture became a powerful tool for constructing and communicating identity, especially within the rising middle class. Hamburger, working in this context, engages with the visual language of status and respectability. But it's more than just a record of someone's likeness. How does Hamburger use the play of light and shadow to create a sense of depth, both literally and figuratively? The artist's choice to depict Bol with a direct gaze speaks volumes. It is a challenge, an invitation, or perhaps a silent acknowledgment of the power dynamics inherent in portraiture? This portrait invites us to reflect on the stories we tell ourselves about the past and how we choose to represent the individuals who shaped it. Through Hamburger's drawing, we are confronted with the complexities of history, identity, and the enduring power of representation.