Portret van Leopold, graaf van Limburg Stirum 1814 - 1817

This is a print of Leopold, Count of Limburg Stirum by Jacob Ernst Marcus, made with etching. The portrait’s composition, encased in an oval frame, immediately evokes a sense of classical formality. Notice the use of line and the etching technique, creating textures that define the subject's features and attire. The even distribution of light across the face suggests a moment of composed stillness, emphasizing the Count's social position through the formality of his pose and attire. The geometric arrangement of shapes—oval, rectangle, and the figure itself—creates a structured visual field. This organization might echo broader Enlightenment ideals of order and reason. The portrait's success lies in its ability to balance these formal qualities with the subject’s individuality, inviting us to consider the relationship between representation, identity, and social status in the context of early 19th-century Dutch society.