Zelfportret in silhouet - Elisabeth Alida Haanen
Archival giclée
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Description
A refined self-portrait in silhouette by Dutch artist Elisabeth Alida Haanen, dating to circa 1837. This delicate work captures the artist in profile with precise ink and watercolour detailing.
This work is a self-portrait in silhouette by the Dutch artist Elisabeth Alida Haanen. Created around 1837, the piece captures the artist in profile, a format that was highly popular for portraiture during the early nineteenth century. The silhouette technique relies on the stark contrast between the dark, solid form of the subject and the lighter background, focusing the viewer's attention on the outline of the facial features and hairstyle.
Haanen, who was part of a prominent family of artists, demonstrates a precise hand in this miniature. The work includes delicate details, such as the texture of the hair and the fine lace collar, which are rendered with subtle washes of ink and watercolour. The inclusion of the artist's name, 'Elizabeth Kiers geb Haanen', at the base of the sheet provides a clear record of her identity following her marriage to the painter Petrus Kiers. The script at the top, 'Schilderes', identifies her profession as a painter, a designation that was significant for a female artist of her era.
The composition is framed by a simple ink border, typical of the period's presentation for such intimate works. The paper shows signs of age, with a warm, cream-coloured tone that complements the dark ink of the silhouette. This portrait offers a glimpse into the personal and professional identity of Haanen, who was known for her genre paintings and still lifes. By choosing the silhouette format, she engages with a tradition of portraiture that prioritised clarity and character over elaborate settings. The work remains a fine example of the technical skill required to capture a likeness within the constraints of a monochromatic profile.
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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.
Care and materials
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
Zelfportret in silhouet - Elisabeth Alida Haanen
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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