Portret van Louis Joseph César Ducornet 1851

Carel Christiaan Antony Last created this portrait of Louis Joseph César Ducornet with graphite, pen, and brush in 1851. The composition is immediately striking due to its stark contrasts and the figure's direct gaze. Last uses a masterful play of light and shadow to define Ducornet's features and clothing, set against a pale background. The portrait's structure, with its emphasis on line and form, reflects an interest in clarity and precision characteristic of formalist approaches. The placement of the subject—an artist himself—alongside his tools and canvas, offers a semiotic reading of artistic identity. The controlled execution and attention to detail create a sense of order, yet the gaze evokes a depth of character that goes beyond mere representation. Notice how Last's use of line in the background softens, contrasting with the sharper lines defining Ducornet. This contrast invites us to consider how artistic representation can both capture and interpret the essence of its subject.