Portret van Jan Willem Pieneman 1851

This is a portrait of Jan Willem Pieneman, made by Adrianus Johannes Ehnle, sometime in the mid-19th century. Pieneman was an important painter of Dutch history, particularly known for his large paintings of patriotic and military subjects. Ehnle made this portrait using lithography, a printing technique that allowed for the relatively easy reproduction of images. In the 19th century, lithography became a popular medium for portraiture, as it was cheaper and faster than traditional painting or engraving. The mass production of images, which became possible at this time, played an important role in shaping national identity and reinforcing social hierarchies. To understand this image better, we might research the institutions that promoted history painting in the Netherlands during this period, or investigate the market for printed portraits of notable figures. What role did art play in shaping national identity?