Portret van Manuel Matamoros in de gevangenis 1863

This is Nicolaas Johannes Wilhelmus de Roode’s lithograph “Portret van Manuel Matamoros in de gevangenis”. The composition is divided into distinct sections, each contributing to the overall narrative. The stark contrast of black text against the white background immediately draws the eye, creating a sense of urgency. The portrait of Matamoros, framed within the text, presents him as a figure of intellect and piety. The lithographic technique, with its fine lines and tonal variations, captures the subject's likeness while also emphasizing the graphic quality of the print. Structurally, the text functions as a semiotic system, framing Matamoros's image within a broader cultural and political context. The title, the details of his imprisonment, and the mention of faith all work together to create a specific narrative. This interplay between image and text challenges fixed meanings, inviting us to consider the power of representation and the construction of identity within a historical moment.