Portret van Hendrik Willem Mouton 1872 - 1950

Barbara Elisabeth van Houten rendered this portrait of Hendrik Willem Mouton with etching techniques. Van Houten, born in the Netherlands in 1862, came of age in a society undergoing significant shifts in gender roles and artistic expression. This portrait presents a study in masculinity. Mouton's averted gaze and the stark lines of the etching emphasize a sense of introspection and perhaps vulnerability, challenging the traditional stoicism expected of men in the 19th century. What does it mean to capture the likeness of a man in a way that hints at inner contemplation rather than outward strength? Van Houten’s choice of etching, a medium often associated with meticulous detail, underscores the intimacy of the portrait. The texture and depth achieved through the etching process invite us to consider the layers of identity and experience that shape both the sitter and the artist. This work is more than just a depiction; it's an exploration of character.