Portret van Jan Wouter Felix

About this artwork

blad: hoogte 335 mm x breedte 256 mm

Art Historical Context

"Portret van Jan Wouter" is a striking lithograph by Johann Peter Berghaus, April 7, 1856. Measuring 335 mm in height by 256 mm in width, this portrait captures the refined features of its subject on a precisely proportioned sheet, inviting viewers to ponder the life of Jan Wouter Felix likely a notable figure of mid-19th-century Dutch society. Berghaus, a prolific Dutch-German lithographer active in, mastered this innovative medium, which revolutionized printmaking after its invention around 1796. Lithography's crayon-like drawing on stone allowed for subtle tonal gradations and intricate details, producing high-quality reproductions far more affordably than traditional engraving. By the 1850s, it was the go-to technique for disseminating portraits of professionals, merchants, and public figures, democratizing access to likenesses that once belonged to the elite. This artwork exemplifies the era's blend of technical precision and personal commemoration, reflecting lithography's cultural role in preserving identity amid rapid industrialization. A testament to Berghaus's skill, it offers a window into Victorian-era portraiture's elegance and accessibility.