Portret van André Dumont c. 1857

This is Joseph Schubert’s portrait of André Dumont, rendered in a monochromatic palette with remarkable detail, now residing in the Rijksmuseum. Notice how the artist employed lithography to give a formal depiction of André Dumont. The composition creates a formal equilibrium, as it captures Dumont in a poised stance, with garments and adornments suggesting prestige. The use of chiaroscuro, transitioning from light to shadow, highlights the subject's features and the textures of his attire. This contrast not only adds depth but also subtly directs the viewer's attention to the subject's face. Furthermore, the lithographic technique gives an opportunity to reflect on the changing nature of representation in the 19th century. This portrait of André Dumont serves as an artifact and a reflection on cultural values, and the transition from traditional artistic methods to the rise of new technologies like lithography.