Portret van Nicolas Jean-de-Dieu Soult 1825

Here we see Henri Grevedon's lithographic portrait of Nicolas Jean-de-Dieu Soult. The composition is immediately striking, focusing on the sitter's head and shoulders, and presenting a contemplative figure, gazing slightly off to the side. Grevedon masterfully uses light and shadow to model Soult’s features, giving the face a three-dimensional quality that draws the eye. The delicate hatching technique in lithography is apparent in the subtle gradations of tone across the face and the soft rendering of the hair, creating a sense of depth and volume. Soult’s cloak drapes with loose, flowing lines, contrasting with the tighter, more controlled strokes used to define his face. This contrast is not just a technical choice but also a structural element that divides the image into zones of attention. The artist captures not only a likeness but also engages in a subtle commentary on hierarchy and representation, marking Soult as a figure of power and reflection.