Portret van Otto Willem Gobius 1828 - 1843

Cornelis Kimmel made this portrait of Otto Willem Gobius with lithography. The image signifies the importance of the Navy within Dutch society, with the emphasis being on the importance of rank and service to the state. Gobius is dressed in full military regalia, complete with medals and epaulettes which were visual cues that spoke to the importance of military institutions in Dutch society. It was made at a time when the Netherlands was trying to re-establish itself as a major player on the world stage, having been under French rule for some time. The country relied on its naval power and infrastructure to maintain a global presence and to generate the wealth that was needed to maintain power. The artwork comments on the social structures of its own time. It is self-consciously conservative and supports the social hierarchy. By looking at historical records, naval archives, and period newspapers, we can gain further insight into the role of the Navy in Dutch society during this time.