Portret van L. Thijs 1831 - 1890

This is Jean Baptiste Pierre Michiels' portrait of L. Thijs, executed with meticulous detail using engraving techniques. The composition centres on the sitter's upper body, cropped to emphasize his face and attire. Michiels' skillful use of line and texture creates a striking contrast between the detailed areas and the smooth, empty space around the figure. The face shows great depth through the careful layering of lines to define form and shadow, drawing the viewer's attention to the psychological intensity of the man. The engraver's technique here is not just representational but also presents the subject with precision and clarity. The deliberate contrast and the strategic use of negative space invite contemplation about the relationship between the subject and his environment.