Portret van I.M. Richelle Possibly 1854 - 1855

Curator: The delicacy here is startling, wouldn’t you say? This is Johann Peter Berghaus’s "Portret van I.M. Richelle", likely drawn between 1854 and 1855. What whispers to you? Editor: Austerity, definitely. The meticulous cross-hatching lends a certain somber air, almost severe. Is that a glimpse of compassion, though, in his eyes, or just a trick of the light on the paper? Curator: Light is everything in a drawing like this. Look how Berghaus uses it to sculpt Richelle’s face, to suggest depth and character with just pencil and pen. This piece highlights the transition of how portraits came into existence from painted oil canvas to pencil drawing techniques that allow everyday middle class men to acquire status through accessible portraiture. Editor: Exactly, and there's such controlled intensity in that gaze! The sharp angles of his suit contrast wonderfully with the soft gradations in his face, almost making you feel how middle class citizens started adopting upper class habits as new societies were beginning to emerge Curator: It speaks of power, doesn't it? The power of observation, the power of capturing a likeness so convincingly. It’s almost like a photograph, but imbued with something… more. There’s an undeniable intimacy despite the formal pose. Do you suppose Richelle ever envisioned himself immortalized this way? It makes you wonder! Editor: Good point. I do think this almost romanticizes the notion of intellectual labor through realistic depictions, and that makes us examine his class background and wealth Curator: And the sheer patience required! Imagine the hours spent rendering each tiny line, each subtle shift in tone. There is the institutionalization that went from simple sketches and doodles into very sharp and defined detailed character sketches. And he has the notebook and pen there. Was he actually even a writer, or just showing off? Editor: Well that I do not know, I can speculate if the intended viewer wants me to… but my guess is the objects add character and intention to portray someone from a specific class of citizens back then. Perhaps we might leave our listeners pondering his actual profession and intended function for portraits such as this? Curator: An exquisite point. It makes the viewing so much richer! It just seems that a little bit of curiosity has left with us. Editor: To have seen him once…that is how the image will reside with us, hopefully forever.