Portret van Carle Elshöecht 1835

P.C. van Geel created this portrait of Carle Elshöecht as a lithograph around 1835. The print gives us a glimpse into the cultural and social values of the Biedermeier period, known for its focus on domestic life, and the rise of the middle class. The portrait captures Elshöecht with a certain level of detail that speaks to the importance of portraiture in solidifying social status and personal identity during this era. Notice the formal attire and controlled pose which reflect the subject's standing. At the same time, there's an element of romanticism in the tousled hair and intense gaze, hinting at the shifting cultural emphasis on individuality and emotion. The lithograph serves not just as a record of appearance, but as a document reflecting the complex interplay of social expectations and emerging ideals of selfhood. The very act of creating and preserving this image speaks to the ways in which personal and public identities were carefully constructed and maintained.