Zelfportret van Louis Jean Somers 1823 - 1880

This self-portrait was created by Louis Jean Somers using graphite on paper. Somers employs a traditional medium for portraiture, giving us insight into his artistic practice. The material qualities of graphite are essential to its expressive effect. See how it lends itself to creating a range of tonal values, from light shading to more concentrated areas of darkness. The artist skillfully manipulates graphite to capture the nuances of his own likeness. The marks left on the page provide a glimpse into the artist's hand, as the texture and weight of each line convey a sense of immediacy and intimacy. The level of work involved in portraiture reflects the social status of both the artist and the sitter. Somers was a lithographer, and his skilled use of graphite elevates the status of this work from simple sketch to thoughtful study. Paying attention to materials, making, and context enriches our understanding of portraiture and artistic identity. It challenges traditional notions of high art by highlighting the labor-intensive processes involved in its creation.