Silhouetportret van Nicaise De Keyser - Elisabeth Alida Haanen

A refined silhouette portrait of the painter Nicaise De Keyser, captured in profile by the Dutch artist Elisabeth Alida Haanen.

This portrait depicts the Belgian painter Nicaise De Keyser in profile. Executed by the Dutch artist Elisabeth Alida Haanen, the work employs the silhouette technique, a popular method for capturing likenesses during the nineteenth century. The subject is rendered in a solid, dark tone against a pale, cream-coloured background, which emphasises the clean lines of his facial features and the cut of his coat. The artist has included subtle shading within the silhouette to suggest the texture of the hair and the form of the collar, moving beyond a simple flat outline.

At the top of the sheet, the word 'Schilder' (painter) is inscribed, identifying the profession of the sitter. Below the portrait, the signature of Nicaise De Keyser is present, providing a personal touch to this formal study. The composition is contained within a thin, rectangular border, which frames the figure and provides a sense of order to the page. The number '52' appears in the upper right corner, suggesting this piece was once part of a larger collection or catalogue of portraits.

Haanen was known for her skill in genre painting and portraiture, and this work demonstrates her ability to convey character through minimal visual information. The focus remains entirely on the profile, a classic format that strips away extraneous detail to reveal the essential structure of the face. The contrast between the dark ink and the light paper creates a graphic quality that remains visually arresting. This print offers a glimpse into the social and artistic circles of the mid-nineteenth century, documenting a specific individual through a refined and disciplined medium.