Portret van de entomoloog Pierre André Latreille 1821

Julien-Léopold Boilly’s portrait of Pierre André Latreille presents a somber figure rendered with great attention to detail. The lithographic technique captures fine lines and subtle tonal variations, creating a textured surface that invites close inspection. The muted palette centers the viewer’s attention on the subject’s physiognomy and the intricate details of his attire. The composition, largely symmetrical, uses a play of light and shadow to sculpt Latreille’s features, hinting at the depth of his intellectual pursuits. The formal structure of the piece, with its classical arrangement and restrained emotion, reflects the Enlightenment values of reason and observation that defined Latreille's scientific work. Boilly’s lithograph functions as a cultural signifier. The meticulous rendering and the inclusion of Latreille’s credentials, suggest the esteemed status of scientific knowledge in the 19th century. This portrait serves not just as a likeness, but also as a statement about the cultural value placed on intellectual achievement.