Portret van Antoine Sénard als president van de Nationale Vergadering 1848

Marie-Alexandre Alophe created this lithograph portrait of Antoine Sénard, President of the National Assembly. The eye is drawn to the subject's upper body, depicted with strong lines that define his posture and attire. Notice the contrasting textures achieved through lithography; the smoothness of Sénard's coat against the detailed etching of his face. These elements work together to convey both authority and a sense of personal introspection. Alophe uses a semiotic language through attire and pose. The formal dress and seated posture, surrounded by documents, communicate power and intellect. The artist subtly destabilizes the rigid formality of portraiture by capturing a momentary pause—Sénard appears caught in thought. The interplay between light and shadow is not merely decorative but structural, creating depth and drawing the viewer's eye to Sénard's face. Consider how this lithograph embodies not just a likeness, but also an exploration of identity and representation in the mid-19th century.