Portret van generaal Josip Jelačić 1843 - 1856

This is André Charpentier-Bosio’s lithograph portrait of General Josip Jelačić. Notice how the artist's linear emphasis creates a detailed depiction of the general's uniform, imbuing it with a sense of materiality. The rows of buttons and ornate braiding suggest a fascination with hierarchical structure. This echoes not only the strict lines of military authority, but also the semiotic function of clothing as a signifier of status. The lithographic technique allows for a subtle gradation of tone, contributing to a play of light and shadow that models the general's features. Here, the artist engages with the philosophical notion of visibility and representation. The portrait captures Jelačić's likeness and uses it as a vehicle for projecting power. The overall effect is one of controlled authority, reflecting the subject's position within the social and political framework of his time. As you consider the detailed rendering of the general’s figure, appreciate how the artist’s approach reinforces the symbolic order of its time. This artwork offers a view into the complexities of how visual representation can be an exercise of power.