lithograph, print
portrait
lithograph
portrait reference
pencil drawing
academic-art
realism
Dimensions: height 265 mm, width 160 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
Carel Christiaan Antony Last created this portrait of Hendrik Tollens using etching and engraving. Notice how the composition is structured around tonal contrasts, where delicate lines build up the forms. This interplay of light and shadow not only models Tollens’ features but also evokes a sense of depth and presence. The artist masterfully uses line work to define the contours of Tollens’ face and clothing, achieving a striking realism. The texture of his coat, rendered through intricate cross-hatching, contrasts with the smoother treatment of his face, drawing our eye to his expression. The strategic placement of the figure against a neutral background isolates him, emphasizing his character and role. The portrait challenges the traditional hierarchical view of art, moving towards a democratization of subject matter, that aligns with shifting cultural values. In its refined details, this work reflects how the print medium became a conduit for broader cultural and social narratives.
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