Portret van een man, mogelijk Petrus Abraham Samuel van Limburg Brouwer Possibly 1851 - 1856

This is a portrait of a man, possibly Petrus Abraham Samuel van Limburg Brouwer, by Johann Peter Berghaus. The monochromatic lithograph, with its tight composition and detailed shading, invites a formal analysis. The subject’s face is the focal point, framed by soft, curling hair that contrasts with the sharp lines of his jacket and waistcoat. Berghaus employs hatching to create depth, particularly in the rendering of the clothing. These lines add a tactile quality to the image, while the chiaroscuro effect emphasizes the sitter’s features. The semiotic structure here suggests a tension between individual character and social role. The formal attire speaks to societal expectations, whilst the soft hair and direct gaze hints at individual character. The artist skillfully uses formal elements to explore the dynamic interplay between self and society. The lithograph's meticulous technique underscores how art can capture not just likeness but also the intricate layers of identity within a historical and cultural framework.