Portret van Jan Nieuwenhuyzen

About this artwork

height 310 mm x width 245 mm

Art Historical Context

This lithographic portrait, created by Petrus van den Eynde in 1827, captures Jan Nieuwenhuyzen with a quiet dignity typical of early nineteenth-century likenesses. Measuring 310 by 245 millimeters, the print’s modest yet substantial scale suggests it was intended for personal collections or modest display, rather than grand public settings. Lithography, a relatively new technique at the time, allowed artists to draw directly onto stone, producing soft tonal gradations and fine detail that closely mimicked drawings while enabling multiple impressions. By the 1820s, lithography had become prized for its ability to disseminate portraits of notable individuals beyond elite circles. Van den Eynde’s choice of medium reflects the era’s growing interest in accessible reproductive methods, bridging the gap between unique paintings and widely shared imagery. The work thus offers viewers a glimpse into both the sitter’s world and the technological shifts that shaped visual culture in the early 1800s.

About the Artist

Petrus van den Eynde · 1787–1840

Petrus van den Eynde (23 October 1787 – 5 April 1840) was a Dutch lithographer, draftsman, and painter best known for his portrait work. Born in Haarlem, he spent much of his professional life as a captain in the infantry while pursuing art as an amateur. He was active in both Ghent and his native Haarlem from 1802 until his death in 1840. Van den Eynde produced a series of carefully observed por...