Portret van Jan Willem Alexander Doeff 1848

This is a portrait of Jan Willem Alexander Doeff, created in marble by Louis Royer. Marble is a metamorphic rock, prized for its beauty and workability, and has long been associated with classical sculpture. Royer would have roughed out the general form using chisels and rasps, gradually refining the surface to achieve the smooth, luminous finish we see here. The soft sheen results from laborious polishing; this contrasts with the deep folds of the boy’s shirt, which catch light and shadow. Royer clearly wanted to show his mastery of the material, and his ability to capture a likeness in stone. The labor-intensive process of carving marble has always been associated with high art, and the commission of such a portrait would have been a status symbol for the Doeff family. Yet, by focusing on the skilled work involved, we can appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that went into this seemingly simple bust, challenging any easy distinction between art and craft.