Silhouetportret van Henricus Wilhelmus Couwenberg - Elisabeth Alida Haanen
Archival giclée
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Description
A refined silhouette portrait of the engraver Henricus Wilhelmus Couwenberg, executed in ink by the Dutch artist Elisabeth Alida Haanen.
This silhouette portrait depicts Henricus Wilhelmus Couwenberg, a Dutch engraver, captured in profile. Elisabeth Alida Haanen, a member of a prominent family of Dutch artists, produced this work during the early 19th century. The silhouette was a popular form of portraiture during this period, offering a precise and economical method of capturing a subject's likeness before the widespread adoption of photography. The composition is minimalist, focusing entirely on the outline of the subject. The artist uses a solid black fill to define the head and shoulders of Couwenberg, set against a plain, light-coloured background. The work is framed by a simple ink border, which draws the eye to the central figure. Above the portrait, the word 'Graveur' is written in a delicate script, identifying the profession of the sitter. Below the image, the name 'H.W. Couwenberg' appears in an elegant, cursive hand, providing a clear identification of the individual portrayed. Haanen demonstrates a high degree of control in the execution of the profile. The subtle variations in the outline, particularly around the hair and the collar of the coat, suggest a careful observation of the sitter's features. The work is part of a broader tradition of silhouette portraiture that flourished in Europe, often used for personal keepsakes or family albums. The simplicity of the medium allows for a direct engagement with the subject, stripped of the distractions of colour or complex background details. This piece provides a glimpse into the social and artistic circles of the Netherlands in the 1830s, documenting the appearance of a contemporary craftsman through the skilled hand of a professional artist.
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 Henricus Wilhelmus Couwenberg - 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
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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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