Portret van de dichteres Juliana Cornelia de Lannoy 1787 - 1828

This is Ludwig Gottlieb Portman’s diminutive engraving of the poet Juliana Cornelia de Lannoy. Note how the artist, working in monochrome, has created contrasting textures. The regular, machine-like hatching of the background and frame sharply offsets the softness of the poet’s features and clothing. Portman uses an oval frame, and the artist has mirrored this shape in the arrangement of de Lannoy’s voluminous coiffure. Her hair and dress are built from curves and flowing lines that draw the eye back to her face. The overall effect is one of controlled elegance. The engraving's small size demands close attention, inviting us to consider the details of its execution and the artistry involved in creating such an intricate image on a small scale. It is not merely a portrait, but a carefully constructed artifact.