Portret van Pieter de Goeje 1829 - 1863

Adrianus Johannes Ehnle made this portrait of Pieter de Goeje in the Netherlands using graphite and charcoal. Here we see a man dressed in the fashion of the Dutch middle class. The formal wear suggests that the subject was of some social standing. Ehnle's portrait provides us with insights into the visual culture of the 19th century, particularly regarding how status and identity were constructed and communicated through portraiture. The Rijksmuseum itself, as an institution, played a role in shaping artistic tastes and preserving cultural heritage during this period. To gain a deeper understanding of this artwork, one might research Dutch fashion trends of the time, the social hierarchy, and the role of portraiture in Dutch society. By examining such resources, we can gain a more nuanced perspective on the historical context and cultural significance of this portrait. Art history reminds us that an artwork’s meaning is contingent on its social and institutional context.