Toegangsgebouw van kasteel Kenilworth 1828

Jean Louis Nicolas Vitasse created this print of Marie Feodorowna. The portrait, framed in an oval and then in a rectangle, features the Grand Duchess in profile, and the text below identifies her lineage. The arrangement of shapes suggests a visual encoding of hierarchy, with each frame delineating a distinct realm of representation. Consider how Vitasse uses line and form to communicate status. The sharp lines and precise details of Marie's coiffure and attire contrast with the softer, decorative elements of the floral frame. This contrast draws attention to the Duchess's status, emphasizing her as the subject while framing elements serve to highlight her importance. The interplay between geometric and organic forms is not merely decorative but functions as a semiotic system, where shapes and textures convey specific meanings and social values. This print invites us to consider how portraiture serves as a powerful tool for constructing and reinforcing social hierarchies.