Portret van Titiaan c. 1827 - 1830

Curator: Bernard Romain Julien created this engraving, titled "Portret van Titiaan," sometime between 1827 and 1830. Editor: It has a solemn, almost grave quality to it. The high contrast really defines his features, particularly around the eyes. There's a softness to the fur stole, a very tactile sensation conveyed just by line work. Curator: Indeed. Julien was part of a larger movement to reproduce Old Master paintings and portraits for a wider audience. This print served an important function in disseminating Titian's image, helping to solidify his legacy. Editor: And looking at the lines themselves, the density and direction… It’s masterful. Notice how Julien uses hatching and cross-hatching to build volume, suggesting the play of light on Titian's face and turban. Curator: The choice to depict Titian was deliberate. He represents artistic genius and the Italian Renaissance, values that Julien, working in 19th century, was trying to connect with and perhaps revive in contemporary French art. Editor: Do you think the lack of background flattens the image or enhances our ability to focus on the character and modeling of the artist’s face? Curator: I think it underscores the historical project here. Julien isn't trying to create a living, breathing Titian, but rather an iconic representation, suitable for contemplation and study. Editor: Ultimately it's the texture created with just engraved lines. It has a stunning ability to bring depth and an element of emotion to the character that Julien chose as his subject. Curator: Absolutely. This print demonstrates the power of reproductive engraving not just to copy, but also to interpret and transmit artistic values across time.