A French Military Officer 1892

This is Alfred-Bernard Meyer's "A French Military Officer," a porcelain plaque of just under 9 by 5 inches. The officer is rendered in a palette dominated by the bright blues of his coat and stockings, contrasted against the black background. Meyer’s portrait uses color and form to evoke a sense of historical authority. The officer’s erect posture, emphasized by the vertical format, and the sword he holds suggest a readiness and strength associated with military leadership. The highly polished surface of the porcelain enhances the vividness of the colors, making the figure stand out against the dark backdrop. This work, seemingly a straightforward representation, engages with questions of power and identity through its visual language. The plaque's careful composition and polished surface speak to the values of precision and order, reflecting the cultural and social values of the time.