Otto Lütken 19th century

This is an anonymous print of Otto Lütken, now held at the SMK. Notice the stark contrasts achieved through the lithographic process. The artist skillfully uses light and shadow to sculpt Lütken's features, giving him a sense of volume and presence. The tight composition focuses intently on the sitter, whose gaze is directed towards us. The artist's precise use of hatching and cross-hatching to define the textures of the uniform invites us to consider how status is visually constructed. The symbols of rank and service, from the epaulettes to the medals, are meticulously rendered. These details underscore the sitter's position within a defined hierarchy. This portrait doesn't just represent an individual, but also reflects a system of power and social structure. The graphic clarity of the lithograph serves to codify Lütken, fixing his image within the visual language of authority.