Portret van Martinus Schouman c. 1800 - 1900

This is an undated portrait of Martinus Schouman, made with etching by an artist known only as Monogrammist ML. The image has a stark simplicity, emphasizing the subject’s features through fine, deliberate lines. The artist’s skillful use of hatching and cross-hatching creates depth and texture, particularly in the details of the clothing. The composition, tightly cropped, focuses attention squarely on Schouman’s face, inviting an intimate engagement with the subject. The contrasting directions of the etched lines form a visual code, building structure, that allows for the perception of light and shadow to define shape. Despite the clear representational intent, the limited tonal range challenges any illusionistic impulse and reinforces the two-dimensional nature of the print. We are reminded that this is not a window onto reality, but rather a carefully constructed representation. This interplay between depiction and artifice encourages a deeper consideration of how images mediate our understanding of individuals and their identities.