Portret van Johan Meerman 1818 - 1876

This is Carel Christiaan Antony Last's portrait of Johan Meerman, likely made using engraving techniques during the first half of the 19th century. Meerman's direct gaze and fashionable attire speak to his status as a prominent figure within Dutch society, while the inscription suggests his public role as a 'troubled son in The Hague'. The Netherlands in this period was navigating the throes of modernization, grappling with the legacies of its colonial past and the rise of new political ideologies. Engraved portraits like this one played a crucial role in shaping public perception and solidifying social hierarchies. They were often commissioned by institutions or wealthy individuals to commemorate achievements and project an image of power and respectability. To truly understand this portrait, we need to delve into the archives, examining Meerman's biography and the cultural context in which Last was working. Only then can we fully appreciate the social and political meanings embedded within this seemingly straightforward image.