Portret van Henry Hope 1788

Charles Howard Hodges created this portrait of Henry Hope using mezzotint, a printmaking process known for its rich tonal range. Hope, an Amsterdam-based merchant banker, sits amidst symbols of his wealth and status, reflecting the elite circles in which he moved during the late 18th century. But let's consider the backdrop against which Hope's prosperity was built. This was a time of burgeoning global trade, deeply entangled with colonialism and the exploitation of enslaved people. Hope's wealth, like that of many of his contemporaries, was connected to these systems, raising questions about the ethics of commerce and the human cost of economic success. What does it mean to portray such a man, so assured and comfortable, without acknowledging the sources of his privilege? The portrait offers an opportunity to reflect on the complex relationship between individual identity, historical context, and the legacies of colonialism. It invites us to consider whose stories are told and whose are omitted in the visual records of history.