Portret van maarschalk Guillaume Dode de la Brunerie 1848 - 1853

Alphonse Farcy created this print of Marshal Guillaume Dode de la Brunerie. The lithograph is striking for its graphic clarity and formal composition, emphasizing the sitter’s military status and personal gravitas. The detailed rendering of his uniform, adorned with medals and embroidery, contrasts with the open space surrounding the figure, creating a visual hierarchy that draws our eye to the subject's face. Consider how Farcy uses line and texture to define form. Each stroke meticulously delineates the contours of the marshal's face and the intricate details of his attire, creating a palpable sense of depth and volume within a two-dimensional space. Farcy’s lithograph doesn’t merely document an image of power, but invites us to interpret the formal language through which status is conveyed and understood. The emphasis on detail and the strategic use of light and shadow serve to elevate and formalize the sitter, reinforcing social hierarchies of the time.