Portret van Godart Alexander Gerard Philip van der Capellen 1827 - 1851

Jean-Baptiste Madou created this portrait of Godart Alexander Gerard Philip van der Capellen using lithography. Notice how the portrait emerges from a light background, with delicate shading defining van der Capellen's features and military attire. The composition centres on the figure, emphasizing his strong gaze and the details of his uniform. Madou masterfully uses the lithographic technique to create tonal variations and textures. The crisp lines delineate the decorations, and the shading suggests the contours of his face and the drape of his sash. This careful attention to detail serves to ennoble the sitter, presenting him not just as an individual but as a figure of authority and status. Consider how the artwork operates within the semiotic system of portraiture. It communicates ideas about social position and personal character through established visual codes. While seemingly straightforward, the portrait subtly reinforces the sitter's authority. Ultimately, the lithograph invites ongoing examination of how images shape perceptions of identity and power.