Portret van Sophie van Württemberg 1863 - 1871

Nicolaas Johannes Wilhelmus de Roode created this portrait of Sophie van Württemberg using lithography. The composition is dominated by a play of textures and carefully distributed light, creating a sense of depth and aristocratic elegance. De Roode masterfully uses the lithographic technique to create a complex semiotic system, with gradations of tone representing not just light and shadow but also social status and moral virtue. The intricate lace and the sheen of the dress function as signs of wealth, while the subdued color palette conveys a sense of decorum appropriate to her royal status. The composition is carefully balanced to give a structured feel, as though she is simultaneously present but also removed by the formality of the portrait setting. Ultimately, it is the lithography itself – its capacity for detailed reproduction and subtle tonal variation – that allows de Roode to create an image that speaks to both the physical presence and the symbolic weight carried by this royal figure. The artwork serves as a fascinating intersection of artistic technique and cultural symbolism.