Portret van de heer Immens Blom c. 1842 - 1880

Pieter Wilhelmus van de Weijer created this portrait of Immens Blom using lithography. In the 19th century, portraits like this served to immortalize members of the bourgeoisie, reinforcing social hierarchies through artistic representation. Consider the power dynamics at play: Blom, as the subject, likely commissioned this portrait, asserting his status and wealth. Van de Weijer, as the artist, navigates the role of both creator and recorder of social standing. What does it mean to have your likeness captured and disseminated? How does it shape one's identity and legacy? The very act of creating and displaying portraits was a statement—a way of saying, "I matter, I am worthy of remembrance." And while we may not know the intimate details of Immens Blom's life, this portrait invites us to reflect on the broader narratives of identity, representation, and power that continue to resonate today.