Artwork
Frederik Adrian (1804-74), graaf van Limburg Stirum of Thomas Henry (1804-42), graaf van Limburg Stirum
Frederik Adrian (1804-74), graaf van Limburg Stirum of Thomas Henry (1804-42), graaf van Limburg Stirum is an ivory painting by the Biedermeier artist Johannes Hari. It dates from 1832 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
This small, oval portrait, carved directly into ivory by Johannes Hari in 1832, depicts a forward-facing man with curly dark hair and attire characteristic of the period, including a white cravat and a dark coat with a high collar. The piece is framed by a thin gold border and features a plain, dark background.
Subject & Meaning
The subject of the portrait is identified as either Frederik Adrian, Count of Limburg Stirum (1804-74), or Thomas Henry, Count of Limburg Stirum (1804-42), highlighting the artwork's potential connection to Dutch nobility of the time.
Technique & Style
The portrait showcases Hari's use of tiny, careful strokes to achieve detailed rendering of the subject's facial features and clothing, demonstrating the artist's skill in working with the challenging medium of ivory.
History & Provenance
Created in 1832, the portrait is now part of the collection at the Rijksmuseum, indicating its recognized cultural and historical value. The use of ivory, a rare and expensive material at the time, suggests the subject's (or commission's) wealth.
Context
The portrait reflects early 19th-century European fashion and aristocratic portraiture traditions. The choice of ivory as the medium, due to its rarity and cost, places the work within the context of luxury items commissioned by the wealthy elite.
Artist & collection
