Silhouetportret van Cornelis Cels - Elisabeth Alida Haanen
Archival giclée
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Made to order
Description
A refined silhouette portrait of the painter Cornelis Cels, executed in ink and wash by the Dutch artist Elisabeth Alida Haanen.
This portrait depicts the Belgian painter Cornelis Cels in profile, rendered as a silhouette. Elisabeth Alida Haanen, a Dutch artist known for her technical precision, captures the subject through a stark contrast between the dark, solid form of the figure and the light background. The work follows the tradition of the silhouette, a popular form of portraiture in the early nineteenth century that prioritised the outline and shape of the head over internal detail. The composition is framed by thin, hand-drawn lines, which provide a sense of order and focus. Above the figure, the word 'Schilder' (painter) is inscribed, identifying the profession of the sitter. Below, the initials 'C. C.' are written in a cursive script, anchoring the identity of the subject. The number '15' appears in the upper right corner, suggesting this piece was part of a larger collection or catalogue of portraits. Haanen demonstrates a controlled hand in the application of the dark wash, ensuring the edges remain crisp and defined. The profile view reveals the distinct features of Cels, including his hairstyle and the high collar of his coat, which are typical of the period. This piece offers a glimpse into the social and artistic circles of the time, where such portraits were often exchanged as tokens of friendship or kept as personal mementos. The simplicity of the medium allows the viewer to focus on the essential form of the subject, stripped of the distractions of colour or complex shading. It is a study in economy and clarity, reflecting the aesthetic preferences of the era for clean, legible portraiture.
Return policy
Because every print is made to order, we don't offer change-of-mind returns, refunds or exchanges. If your order arrives faulty, damaged or incorrect, we'll replace it free of charge — just contact us within 48 hours of delivery. See our refunds page for full details.
Shipping
We ship worldwide, printing at the production hub nearest to your delivery address. Delivery times and costs vary by destination — you'll see the options available to you at checkout.
Manufacturing
Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
Silhouetportret van Cornelis Cels - Elisabeth Alida Haanen
Our Features
Designed for Lasting Impact
Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
- Framed prints arrive ready to hang
Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
Why Choose Us ?
Damage-free delivery guarantee
Fast Shipping
Museum-Quality Materials
Artist Biography
Elisabeth Alida Haanen
Her method relied on the contrast between light and shadow to define character. By stripping away colour and fine facial detail, Haanen forced the viewer to focus on the unique contours of a subject's face. This minimalist approach required a steady hand and a keen eye for proportion. Each silhouette in her catalogue maintains a strict formal quality, often framed within simple ovals that emphasise the subject's posture and professional dignity. The consistency across her series of artist portraits suggests a systematic effort to archive the faces of her contemporaries.
Modern collectors find value in the graphic clarity and historical weight of these works. The monochrome palette allows these prints to fit into contemporary interiors without clashing with existing decor. Unlike traditional portraits, these silhouettes offer a sense of mystery and anonymity while remaining historically grounded. They provide a direct connection to the Dutch Romantic period and are quiet observations of a lost generation of artists. For those interested in the history of the Netherlands, Haanen's work is a distinctive choice.
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