Portret van P. van der Velden Possibly 1859

This is Johann Peter Berghaus’s portrait of P. van der Velden, a lithograph housed in the Rijksmuseum. At first glance, the subdued palette and the subject’s composed demeanor suggest a traditional 19th-century portrait. But look closer. The structure of the image is carefully crafted, with the subject placed asymmetrically within the frame. Berghaus uses light and shadow to model van der Velden's form, creating a sense of depth that is at odds with the flatness of the lithographic medium. This play with dimensionality invites us to question the nature of representation itself. Is this a true likeness, or a carefully constructed image designed to convey a particular message about the sitter’s social standing? The artist’s engagement with form transcends mere representation. Berghaus challenges our assumptions, suggesting that even the most seemingly straightforward portrait can be a site of complex meaning.