Portret van admiraal Zacharie Allemand 1835 - 1851

This is Antoine Maurin’s lithograph portrait of Admiral Zacharie Allemand, printed on paper. The admiral, cropped closely into the pictorial space, fixes us with a direct gaze. Notice how Maurin uses contrasting tones to sculpt Allemand’s face. The dark shading around the eyes and cheekbones gives way to lighter areas which convey the roundness of the face. The overall effect captures a sense of depth and volume, bringing the admiral to life through subtle variations in light and shadow. The sharp definition of Allemand's uniform, achieved through careful detailing, contrasts with the softer rendering of his face, emphasizing his authority and status. This portrait functions within established codes of representation and embodies the Romantic era's concern with individualism and the heroic. Yet, the softness in the modelling of the face hints at the inner life of the sitter. Through this interplay of light, shadow, and texture, Maurin not only captures a likeness but also subtly reveals the admiral’s character. The portrait becomes a site where public persona and private self converge.