Portret van Hermanno Wolthers 1857

Jan Hindrik Kiewiet de Jonge created this portrait of Hermanno Wolthers using lithography. The print's composition is dominated by a play of light and shadow, lending a sculptural quality to Wolthers' figure. Note how the artist uses hatching and cross-hatching to build up the tones, creating depth and texture. This technique gives the portrait a tactile quality, inviting the eye to explore the nuances of Wolthers' face and clothing. The lines create a semiotic system where their density conveys the weight and form of the subject. The use of lithography allows for fine detail, capturing Wolthers' likeness with precision. Yet, the print medium also brings its own set of conventions and constraints, influencing the overall aesthetic. The contrasts and gradations serve not just to represent Wolthers, but also to engage with the philosophical notions of representation itself. This interplay between visibility and representation prompts questions about how we perceive and interpret the world around us.