Portret van Maurits Cornelis van Hall 1809 - 1850

Jean Augustin Daiwaille created this print, "Portret van Maurits Cornelis van Hall", using a technique that gives it a stark contrast and graphic quality. The composition is straightforward, focusing almost exclusively on the sitter, cut off at the mid-torso, against an empty background. Daiwaille uses line and shading to define the contours of van Hall’s face and clothing, creating a sense of volume. The texture is smooth, achieved through fine, controlled lines, except where the hatching is used to suggest the weight and density of the jacket. The strategic placement of light and dark areas guides our eyes. Van Hall's face is brightly lit, drawing attention to his expression. The high contrast between the figure and the background flattens the image, emphasizing its two-dimensional qualities and the graphic nature of the print. It prompts us to consider how Daiwaille uses minimal means to create a sense of presence and character.