Silhouetportret van Jan Hendrik II Breyer - Elisabeth Alida Haanen

A refined Biedermeier-era silhouette portrait of Jan Hendrik II Breyer by Dutch artist Elisabeth Alida Haanen, executed in ink and watercolour.

This silhouette portrait by the Dutch artist Elisabeth Alida Haanen depicts Jan Hendrik II Breyer in profile. The work belongs to the Biedermeier period, a time when the silhouette became a popular and accessible form of portraiture across Europe. Haanen, a member of a notable family of artists, demonstrates a precise control of the medium, capturing the subject's likeness through the stark contrast of the dark figure against the lighter paper background. The composition is minimalist, focusing entirely on the facial features and the outline of the subject's head and shoulders. The artist has included the word 'Schilder' (painter) above the portrait, identifying the profession of the sitter, and a signature at the base. The use of ink and subtle watercolour wash provides a depth that distinguishes this piece from simpler cut-paper silhouettes of the era. The clean lines and the deliberate placement within a rectangular frame suggest a formal approach to this intimate genre. Elisabeth Alida Haanen was known for her skill in portraiture and genre scenes. Her work often reflects the domestic and social values of the early nineteenth-century Netherlands. This specific portrait offers a glimpse into the personal records of the time, where such silhouettes were frequently collected in albums or kept as mementos of family and acquaintances. The preservation of the original ink inscription and the number '12' in the corner indicates that this piece was likely part of a larger series or a personal collection of portraits. The work remains a clear example of the technical precision required for silhouette art, where the artist must convey character and identity without the use of internal detail or shading.