Portret van hertog Lodewijk Anton van Bourbon 1805

This is a print of the Duke of Angoulême, Louis Antoine, made by Luigi Schiavonetti. The composition is rigidly structured around geometric forms: a circle, radiating lines, and heraldic emblems. The portrait itself, rendered in meticulous detail, is encased within a double-lined circle. This circular boundary creates a sense of enclosure and separation. Emanating from behind this circle are thin, straight lines, suggesting an aura of importance. Below, a crest is centrally placed; its elaborate design mirrors the complexity of the Duke's attire, reinforcing the symbolism of power and lineage. The engraving's stark monochrome palette underscores the structural elements, inviting us to consider the artwork's construction as a deliberate act of signification. This use of form and structure goes beyond mere aesthetics, reflecting the rigid social structures of the time. We see how the artist uses line and form to represent the Duke's status and the values of his era. Remember, what we see is not just a portrait, but a carefully constructed symbol.