Portret van Willem Frederik Roëll 1832 - 1873

This is Wilhelmus Cornelis Chimaer van Oudendorp’s 1838 portrait of Willem Frederik Roëll. It offers a glimpse into the hierarchical social structures of the Netherlands during the 19th century. Willem Frederik Roëll came from a background steeped in political influence. As a member of the Dutch patrician Roëll family, his identity was deeply intertwined with the privileges and expectations of his social class. The portrait is a study in the visual language of power and prestige. Roëll’s attire, his composed demeanor, and the artistic techniques employed all serve to underscore his status as a distinguished figure within Dutch society. While the portrait speaks to the privileges of Roëll’s class, it also invites us to reflect on the lives and labor of those who were excluded from such representation. How might a portrait of a working-class individual from the same era differ in its composition, style, and intended audience? How does Roëll's portrait affirm or challenge prevailing notions of identity and social order?