Portret van een man, mogelijk C.P. Burger Possibly 1849

Johann Peter Berghaus created this ‘Portret van een man, mogelijk C.P. Burger’ in the nineteenth century, using lithography. The portrait presents a man seated with a book, his gaze directed towards the viewer. Berghaus uses the lithographic medium to create fine tonal gradations, giving form and volume to his sitter’s features and clothing. What’s striking here is the composition's structured formality, a clear reflection of the sitter's status. The meticulous arrangement of light and shadow and the graphic quality achieved through lithography all contribute to a calculated, controlled image. It evokes not just an individual likeness but also speaks to the semiotic language of portraiture in the nineteenth century. Consider the lines and how they define form and also delineate social boundaries and status. Each element, while representational, functions as a sign, contributing to the overall meaning and impacting how we perceive both the subject and the artist's skill. These formal choices transcend mere visual appeal, offering a glimpse into cultural and philosophical values.