Portret van Daniël Serrurier 1854

This is Leonard de Koningh’s portrait of Daniël Serrurier, made using lithography. The composition centres on Serrurier's seated figure, which is rigidly posed against a muted backdrop. The lithographic technique here achieves a remarkable tonal range, from the soft gradations of light on Serrurier's face to the sharp, precise lines of his clothing. The artist has used hatching and cross-hatching to define form and texture, creating a sense of depth and volume. The overall effect is one of careful realism, yet the subtle use of shadow also imbues the portrait with a certain gravitas. Considering semiotics, Serrurier's formal attire and composed demeanor function as signs of his social status and intellectual bearing. De Koningh’s strategic deployment of visual codes reflects broader cultural values related to representation and identity. This lithograph not only captures the likeness of an individual but also acts as a mirror reflecting the values of its time.